The menisci in your knee are two wedge-shaped discs of cartilage that act as stabilisers between your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Sudden movements such as twisting and turning or even taking a tackle in sports, might cause a tear in the meniscus. This tear can create an uneven distribution of your body weight between the thigh bone and shin bone. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and other joint diseases can result in meniscus wear, possibly leading to a tear.
You might feel your meniscus tearing during an accident. This has been reported as feeling like a “pop” or a rubber band snapping within your knee. For the first days you might not experience any pain at all but gradually and over the next few days, your knee will become stiff and swollen, resulting in pain.
Treatment for damaged menisci depends on the size and location of the damage. Your doctor will give you a thorough examination in order to decide if surgery is demanded, or if self-treatment like resting, icing or elevating your knee can help. It may be suggested that physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication might suffice for reduced pain.