Tearing a meniscus in your knee can be a painful event --- and one that can hinder your activities and daily living. Each of your knees has two menisci, which act as cushions to absorb shock and prevent friction between bones. Jogging puts excess stress on your knee, from your weight as well as the running surface. Sudden movements and chronic use can lead to meniscal tears. Talk to your doctor about your condition to determine treatment options.
The Role of the Meniscus
Lying between the thigh bone, or femur, and the tibia, or shin bone, are two C-shaped pads of cartilage. These pads are at the inside and outside of the joint, with the inner curve of each facing inward. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and plays a vital role in bipedal motion. The menisci are responsible for absorbing a great amount of the impact imparted during walking and running. They also allow for the proper interaction and weight distribution between the tibia and femur. Injury or wear of either or both menisci can lead to impairment of the knee joint.
Meniscal Tear Causes
A common injury from running or participating in sports, meniscal tears are typically caused by a sudden, forceful rotation or twist of your knee while bearing weight. Squatting and twisting the knee may also lead to rupture of a meniscus. A less-traumatic event can also induce a tear or rupture of the cartilage pads. Over time, cartilage weakens and thins --- and aged tissue is more prone to tears. Simply twisting your knee awkwardly while stepping up or down from the sidewalk while running can tear the tissue.
Types of Tears
The type and severity of your tear will determine your recovery time. The menisci, in general, do not have an abundant blood supply to provide nutrients and promote healing. The outside portions of the pads receive the most nutrients, so tears to these areas repair most easily, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Transverse tears -- which run across the entire pad -- or tears along the inner curve take longer to heal and may require surgery.
Running With a Torn Meniscus
Symptoms of a torn meniscus include pain along the outer or inner knee areas as well as localized swelling. The joint may be stiff, and range of motion limited, particularly in the first 48 hours after the injury occurs. The knee may also "give out" while walking or running, as the balance inside the joint is disrupted. Running or walking on the knee may be painful. Your stride may be affected, putting you at risk for additional injury. See your doctor before trying to run on an injured knee. If surgery is not required, gentle walking or jogging may be part of your rehabilitation. After surgery, your doctor may recommend waiting to get back to running, engaging instead in non-impact activities like swimming and cycling.
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