Pedaling requires the knee to open and close repeatedly, so the most common knee problems will be overuse injuries. A medial meniscus tear is sudden onset trauma. In other words, something happens to cause the cartridge in the knee to tear. This puts meniscus tears low on the list of likely injuries for a cyclist. However, a biking accident or quick defensive action may be enough to rip the connective tissue in the knee and lead to medial meniscus damage.
Meniscus
The meniscus is cartilage that provides cushion to the knee joints. You have two forms of this crescent-shaped tissue in each knee, lateral and medial. The medial meniscus sits on the inner section of the leg. In other words, the side that faces the other knee. Meniscus tears can be hairline or severe. A medial meniscus can literally split in half, according to the Cedars-Sinai.website. Injuries to the meniscus are not unheard of for bicyclists, but it is not the most common knee problem they face.
Sudden Stops
Injury to the medial meniscus usually requires a trigger. This differs from other forms of knees problems that arise from wear or overuse. When bike riding, a sudden stop may cause the meniscus to tear. If the need arises, a biker may drop one leg to the ground to force the stop in an emergency. The forward momentum of the bike can cause a rotation of the bones that connect the joint and tear the medial meniscus.
Bicycle Accidents
Falling off a bike can cause various forms of stress including a torn meniscus. Tearing of this cartilage occurs from impact against the knee or a forcible twisting of the joint. If your body impacts against a hard object, such as the ground, the force may be enough to cause damage to the knee-joint. Meniscus tears can be cumulative. If you hurt your knee in one fall and then end up on the ground again, the combination of the two accidents may lead to the tear.
Symptoms and Treatment
When the meniscus tears, it pops. You may notice this as the injury occurs. Walking on the affected leg will be difficult and turning the knee will cause pain. The knee may lock in place, making opening and closing the joint impossible. It will feel like something is blocking the action, explains MayoClinic.com. Basic first-aid can help reducing swelling. Apply ice to the knee frequently during the first few days. Your doctor may give you prescription pain medication or suggest over-the-counter drugs. The most crucial part of healing is to stay off your bike until you doctor indicates you can ride again.
