Understanding the Meniscus: A Look at Knee's Cushion

The meniscus is a crucial part of the knee. It acts like a cushion between the bones, helping the knee move smoothly and absorb shock. Without it, the knee would wear out faster.

Atraumatic Tears

A tear in the meniscus can happen without any injury. This is called an atraumatic tear. It can cause:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Instability
• Locking or catching of the knee, making movement difficult.

Treatment Options

There are different ways to treat a torn meniscus:

• Surgery (for some people)
• Rest and physical therapy (for others)

The best treatment depends on:

• The person
• The severity of the tear

Impact on Knee Function

The meniscus affects how the knee moves. It helps the knee bend and twist. When damaged, it can change how the knee works, leading to more problems. It's important to take care of a torn meniscus.

Next Steps

In the next part, we'll look at more details:

• How the meniscus works
• Different treatments

This will help people understand their options.