A meniscus injury happens when there is damage/inflammation in the meniscus that lies inside the knee joint.  The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that sits between the distal femoral head and the top of the tibia.  This piece of cartilage serves as a cushion and a gliding surface for the two bones to meet and create the knee joint.  Damage to the meniscus can be caused by impact stress, twisting or shearing motions, as well as repetitive movements.  Anyone can incur a meniscus injury but you will most commonly see them in individuals who run, cycle, weightlift, basketball, soccer, hockey, as well as other sports, and individuals who perform physical labor.

Symptoms of a meniscus injury will usually feel pain at the knee that is tender to the touch, ache, sometimes sharp and pinching.  They will notice swelling around the knee but also feel pressure and swelling inside of the knee.  Most will notice pain on movement and pressure into the joint while walking or sitting to standing and sometimes just standing.  There are occasions where the knee can feel like it is locked and can’t move past a certain point.  This will cause atrophy to the muscles and structures around the knee and as well as movement and range of motion discrepancies.  If left untreated there becomes a greater chance of further injury to the meniscus as well as possible injuries to the ligaments and muscles in and around the knee.

The best course of action for this issue is to seek professional help to evaluate and diagnose the injury.  With a proper diagnosis and evaluation one will be able to build a specific treatment plan for the individual as well as the injury.  A proper treatment plan for this injury should include Manual therapy for the soft tissue structures around the knee to aid in healing and movement and to manage pain in the area.  The next course of action is to mobilize and manipulate the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankle/feet to keep proper joint function and mobility in the joint.  Stabilization and strengthening work needs to be done to help the individual regain support and to prevent further injury from occurring.  And finally, we want a good self-care program to be implemented for the individual to take control of the issue and manage it themselves.