Meniscus Injury

Each meniscus acts as a shock absorbent guide for your thigh bone, which rests above. Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the damage. Meniscus injuries are usually aggravated by movement and become particularly uncomfortable with deep squatting. Clicking, catching, locking, or giving way is possible. 

In children and adolescents, meniscal tears usually result from a forceful twisting injury, such as a sports injury. But as we age, our meniscus grows weaker, and degenerative tears become more likely, often following simple or unrecognized events.

Approximately two-thirds of acute meniscal tears in children and adolescents will require surgery, but only about 1 in 20 patients over the age of 40 will require surgery; since most injuries can be treated conservatively. You may need to limit your activity to prevent further damage temporarily. Activities that involve twisting on a weight-bearing flexed knee are the most harmful.