The knee is a complex joint in the body filled with many different structures. Connective tissue like cartilage helps keep these structures in place while reducing friction and stress between the bones. The meniscus is an important connective tissue located near the center of the joint. Awkward twisting or blunt trauma to the knee can cause this to be torn while running, inducing considerable pain and possibly sidelining you for several weeks.
Cause
An unnatural twisting of the knee is the most common cause of meniscus tears. This could result form stepping on uneven terrain, rolling an ankle or tripping during a run. It is also possible that running into an object or another person may cause a tear of the meniscus. Individuals with weakened cartilage, such as older people, are more likely to suffer this injury.
Symptoms
A meniscal tear is often accompanied by a popping sound the moment it occurs. In most cases, it is still possible to walk on the knee, particularly initially. But over the course of a few days you will probably experience growing stiffness and swelling in the knee, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. You may also experience locking of the knee or an inability to hold the knee in a fixed position. Your range of motion may be limited, and a torn meniscus that is not properly treated may break free and drift in the knee, causing slipping, popping or locking in other parts of the joint.
Treatment
Minor meniscal tears can sometimes be treated at home through self-care. For a few days after the injury, provide your knee with rest to prevent further tearing. You should ice the knee several times a day to reduce swelling and encourage faster healing. Wear a compression sleeve on the knee, if possible, to further reduce swelling throughout the day. Elevating the knee will help keep it stationary and prevent blood flow from accumulating around the injury. You can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation in the meniscus. If this doesn't yield improvements after a few days, arthroscopic surgery and subsequent rehabilitation under the guidance of a physical therapist may be necessary -- visit a doctor to have the knee evaluated.
Prospects
Although meniscus tears can be debilitating in the short run, most tears can heal well enough that individuals are able to return to their pre-injury health. Meniscus tears are not recurring injuries like other problems in the knee, and they are not likely to cause a series of complications related to the initial injury.
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