Pain signals
In both cases, however, the pain is not caused by the meniscus itself. The menisci consist of cartilage, a tissue that is not supplied with blood vessels and nerve fibers. Therefore, the menisci themselves cannot transmit a pain signal to the brain.
However, tears or chipped pieces of cartilage can irritate or damage the surrounding tissue and thus also cause a pain signal. This is often accompanied by an inflammatory reaction or joint effusion, both of which can lead to swelling or overheating and redness of the affected knee. Acute meniscus pain usually occurs suddenly and in the form of shooting, stabbing or pulling pain.
Chronic pain is similar, but usually develops continuously and increases in intensity over time. In advanced stages, however, meniscus pain is often situation-dependent and is felt at night when lying down or occurs at rest. Even if the meniscus is torn unnoticed, the pain is often only noticed after a longer period of rest, for example the next morning, when the knee is loaded.
Often these pains are then felt below the kneecap, the knee can be swollen and mobility restricted. Meniscus pain that occurs at night is caused, for example, by meniscus tears, through which the meniscus tissue can shift when lying down for a long time and can press against the joint capsule. The knee joint capsule is traversed by many nerves, and irritation leads to severe pain.
If meniscus pain occurs at night, a detailed diagnostic clarification by a physician is recommended. A distinction must be made between night-time meniscus pain and so-called morning tarnishing pain in the knee, as it can be a sign of knee arthrosis, a chronic process of wear and tear of the cartilage. The knee is often stiff and painful in the morning, but this improves during the course of the day with movement.
A medical clarification is recommended. Some sports carry a high risk of knee problems and meniscus pain. For example, it is often jumping sports such as volleyball or sports with abrupt stops and fast turns such as tennis or squash that cause pain in the meniscus area.
Recreational sportsmen and women who challenge an improper overloading of the menisci due to unsuitable shoes, insufficient training or overweight are particularly at risk. It is very important for the meniscus and the prevention of pain to be active in sports. This is because the meniscus is not well supplied with blood and is only nourished by the synovial fluid during movements in the knee joint.
By warming up sufficiently before sports, the meniscus can better absorb shocks. In addition, the correct dosage of sports that put strain on the knee joint, such as jogging, is advisable. Beginners in particular should start slowly and gradually increase. Strong leg muscles are required for any kind of sports activity, as this can reduce knee stress by up to 30 percent and lower the risk of injury. Suitable footwear for sports activities can also effectively prevent meniscus pain, as the knee load can be reduced.
