Formed by three bones, the knee joint is typically a tough, strong joint. But it is not necessarily the most flexible when it comes to rotating in certain directions. During some activities — especially contact sports — the force and degree of twisting your knee can tear some of the wedge-shaped cartilage that provides cushioning between your thigh bone and shinbone. This cartilage is your meniscus. Each of your knees has two meniscus wedges.
Meniscus tears are common among athletes, especially those who play sports that require a lot of squatting, twisting, and changing positions.
You will feel a pop when your meniscus is torn.
Afterward, you may experience:
- Pain in the knee joint that comes and goes and gets worse when putting pressure on the joint
- Swelling and stiffness
- The feeling that your knee is giving way, locking, or catching when you bend it
If not treated, part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.
Source: Penn Medicine
