General information
The menisci are cartilage discs, two of which are located in each knee joint, one inside and one outside. Since they are responsible for absorbing loads and pressure exerted on the knee and stabilizing the joint, excessive stress on the knee often results in damage to the menisci. The symptoms that can occur when the menisci are injured are relatively similar despite the different clinical pictures, so that it is possible to conclude relatively quickly that the meniscus is damaged.
Typical symptoms of meniscus injuries
Particularly when a meniscus is acutely affected, as is most often the case with a sports injury, the patient suffers from severe pain, which is most pronounced in the area of the hollow of the knee, but can also affect the sides of the knee and/or extend into the lower leg. This pain is often accompanied by limited mobility of the knee joint. As a rule, there is a so-called extension deficit, which means that a person affected can no longer extend the knee and stretch the lower leg, or at least this is only possible with a considerable worsening of the pain.
In the context of a torn meniscus or an inflammation of the joint, this is often accompanied by a joint effusion, which is then felt and sometimes even visible in the knee joint. Depending on the location, the effusion can lead to a bulge in the knee or to the kneecap being shifted upwards and, if it is pressed downwards with the leg stretched out, it practically “jumps up” again in a certain way. Cysts (fluid-filled cavities), which develop, for example, when the cartilage has been severely worn away (this is called degenerative changes), can also sometimes be noticed as small swellings in the knee area and indicate wear and tear of the menisci.
These are typically located on the outside of the knee or further back of the knee. Especially if a meniscus is pre-damaged, even slight stress on the knee joint can cause it to leave its normal position and become squeezed or trapped. In addition to the pain, a snapping sound is often heard in the affected person, which is an indication that the meniscus has been displaced.
If degenerative changes develop over a long period of time, as is the case with arthrosis, for example, all symptoms may be absent despite the worn meniscus. Even in people who rarely put a lot of strain on their knee joint, injuries to the menisci may be noticed quite late, as they are hardly noticeable at rest.
