What are the symptoms of meniscus injury?

A meniscus injury is a common knee problem that often causes pain and discomfort. The meniscus is an important structure in the knee joint that acts like a small cushion to help cushion the pressure on the knee. When it is damaged, it often makes people feel as if the knee has lost its lubrication and moves less smoothly. So, what are the specific symptoms of a meniscus injury?

One of the most obvious symptoms is knee pain. This pain may occur immediately after the injury or may appear hours or days later. The location of the pain is usually on the inside or outside of the knee, depending on which meniscus is damaged. Imagine the knee is like a complex gear system. When one gear fails, the entire system is affected.

Next, swelling of the knee is also a common symptom of a meniscus injury. Swelling may occur within hours of the injury because the meniscus injury causes fluid to accumulate inside the knee. You may notice that the knee looks larger than usual and feels a little warm to the touch.

Another annoying symptom is limited knee movement. A damaged meniscus may prevent the knee from fully straightening or bending, a condition often described as "catching" or "locking." Sometimes, you may feel something moving inside the knee, like a pebble stuck in a gear, preventing you from walking smoothly.

Another symptom to watch out for is a feeling of weakness or instability in the knee. A damaged meniscus may make the knee feel unstable, as if it will "slip" or "twist" at any time. This feeling of instability is especially noticeable when walking, running, or changing direction.

A meniscus injury may also cause a popping sound in your knee. You may hear a "click" or "squeak" every time you bend or straighten your knee. This sound is caused by the internal structure of the knee no longer functioning smoothly due to the damage to the meniscus.

Symptoms of meniscus injury vary from person to person. If you suspect you have a meniscus injury, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately. A professional doctor can diagnose the problem through physical examination and imaging examinations and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Protecting our knees is as important as oiling the gears regularly. After all, they are the "engines" of our actions!