What Is the Meniscus and Why Is It Important for the Knee
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee that plays a crucial role in joint stability, mobility, and protection. Each knee has two menisci – the inner (medial) and the outer (lateral) – which act as shock absorbers, distribute load, and reduce friction between the thigh bone and the shin bone.
Without a properly functioning meniscus, the knee is more susceptible to injuries, pain, and degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. The meniscus provides:
Joint stability – prevents excessive movement of the bones in the knee
Even load distribution – protects the cartilage from damage
Shock absorption – reduces pressure during walking, running, and jumping
Mobility preservation – enables smooth bending and straightening of the knee
Because of its function, any injury or degenerative change to the meniscus can significantly limit daily activities and quality of life. Timely response and appropriate treatment are key to maintaining knee health and preventing long-term complications.
How to Recognize a Meniscus Problem – Symptoms and Signs
Meniscus injuries can be acute (caused by sudden trauma, falls, or sports activities) or chronic/degenerative (caused by aging, wear, and prolonged stress). Recognizing the problem on time allows for proper treatment and prevents long-term complications.
Most common symptoms of a meniscus injury:
Knee pain – localized on the inner or outer side of the knee, often more intense when bending or twisting the joint.
Limited mobility – difficulty bending or fully straightening the knee.
Swelling and stiffness – may appear a few hours or days after the injury.
Clicks, pops, or a locking sensation – the meniscus may “catch” in the joint during movement, limiting knee flexion.
Knee instability – a feeling that the knee gives way, especially when changing direction or going down stairs.
Difference between acute and chronic symptoms:
Acute injuries – occur after sports activities, sudden movements, or trauma; the pain is often sharp and sudden, accompanied by swelling and limited mobility.
Chronic injuries/degenerative meniscus – pain develops gradually over time; it may be mild but persistent discomfort affects daily activities.
When to see a specialist:
It is important to consult a physiotherapist or orthopedist immediately if you experience:
Severe pain or swelling that does not subside after several days
A sensation of locking or “catching” in the knee
Repeated episodes of knee instability
Persistent, progressive pain interfering with daily life
At the Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco, specialists thoroughly assess the condition of the knee, identify the type of meniscus injury, and create an individualized treatment plan that includes therapy, exercises, and rehabilitation.
Main Causes of Meniscus Injuries
Meniscus injuries can occur for various reasons, and understanding the causes is key to prevention and proper treatment. The causes are generally divided into acute injuries and degenerative changes, each requiring a specific therapeutic approach.
Acute injuries
These occur suddenly, most often during physical activity or sports:
Sudden knee rotation – turning the foot while the knee is bent, common in sports such as soccer, basketball, or skiing.
Direct blow to the knee – falls or contact sports can cause meniscus damage.
Jumping and sudden landing – force transfer to the knee may lead to tearing or rupture of the meniscus.
Degenerative changes
In older individuals or those with long-term knee strain, the meniscus becomes weaker and more prone to injury:
Aging and cartilage wear – over time, the meniscus loses elasticity and resistance to stress.
Prolonged strain and poor posture – constant overloading of the knee in physical labor or sports increases the risk of microdamage.
Previous knee injuries or surgeries – damage that was not fully healed increases the chance of new meniscus injuries.
Risk factors
Sports activities – especially contact sports and those involving jumps and rotations.
Genetics and structural predispositions – the shape and function of the knee may increase injury risk.
Improper footwear or surface – poor shock absorption and inadequate shoes during running or physical work can contribute to injury.
Meniscus Treatment at the Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco
At the Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco, meniscus injury treatment is based on an individual approach, combining modern technology, professional assessment, and targeted therapeutic methods. The goal is to reduce pain, accelerate recovery, and restore full knee functionality without the need for invasive procedures whenever possible.
Initial assessment and diagnostics
Before starting therapy, the patient undergoes a detailed examination:
Analysis of symptoms and pain level
Assessment of knee functionality and range of motion
Determination of the type of meniscus injury (acute or degenerative)
Based on this information, the physiotherapist creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to the severity of the injury and the patient’s lifestyle.
Shockwave therapy
One of the central treatment methods at our center is shockwave therapy:
Focused acoustic waves stimulate tissue regeneration and collagen production
Improve circulation in the affected area
Reduce pain and inflammation
Enable faster recovery and return to normal activities
Physical therapy and kinesitherapy
Alongside shockwave therapy, patients undergo targeted exercises and physical therapy:
Strengthening muscles around the knee for greater stability
Flexibility and joint mobility exercises
Balance and proprioception training to prevent new injuries
Individually tailored methods
Depending on the severity of the injury and patient progress, the treatment plan may include:
Manual physiotherapy techniques
Electrotherapy or ultrasound stimulation
Patient education on proper knee use in daily activities
Progress monitoring and long-term support
Patients are regularly monitored, and the treatment plan is adjusted based on results. The expert team at Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco ensures that recovery is safe, effective, and long-lasting, with minimal risk of reinjury.
Exercises and Kinesitherapy as Support for Meniscus Treatment
Exercises and kinesitherapy are an indispensable part of knee recovery after a meniscus injury. They not only support the primary therapy but also help strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce the risk of new injuries. At the Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco, exercises are always individually tailored to each patient.
Strengthening muscles around the knee
Strengthened quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles reduce stress on the meniscus and improve knee stability. Exercises may include:
Light squats and half-squats
Leg raises while lying down
Resistance band exercises
Flexibility and mobility exercises
These exercises help the knee maintain a normal range of motion and reduce stiffness:
Passive and active knee bending and straightening exercises
Stretching of hamstrings and calves
Foot rotations and gentle joint movements in various directions
Proprioception and balance
Meniscus injuries often affect the sense of knee stability. Balance exercises help patients regain control and prevent new injuries:
Standing on one leg or on a balance board
Light dynamic exercises with weight shifts
Combining exercises with eyes closed or on different surfaces
Gradual load progression
Exercises are introduced gradually according to patient progress:
Initial stage: light exercises and active mobilization
Intermediate stage: exercises with low resistance and increased repetitions
Advanced stage: functional exercises, jumps, and movements specific to sports or daily activities
Patient education
Experts at Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco not only guide exercises but also educate patients on proper knee use in daily life, reducing the risk of reinjury and prolonging the effects of therapy.
Prevention of Meniscus Injuries and Maintaining Knee Health
Prevention is key to reducing the risk of meniscus injuries and maintaining long-term knee health. At the Fizio & Estetik Center In Locco, alongside therapy and recovery exercises, patients receive guidelines for daily knee protection.
Maintaining muscle strength around the knee
Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles stabilize the knee and reduce stress on the meniscus. Regular strengthening exercises lower the risk of injury during physical activities.
Flexibility and mobility
Regular stretching of the leg muscles and knee joint
Active knee mobilization through bending and straightening exercises
These activities help the knee maintain a normal range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Proper technique in sports and physical activities
Correct landing after jumps
Avoiding sudden knee rotations
Using appropriate footwear with good cushioning
Weight and load management
Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces pressure on the knee and meniscus
Gradually increasing load during exercise or physical work prevents joint overload
Early response to pain and discomfort
Do not ignore knee pain or feelings of instability
Timely consultation with a specialist allows early detection of problems and reduces the risk of more serious injuries
Regular check-ups and professional assessment
Visits to a physiotherapist or orthopedist help identify early signs of meniscus damage
Control exercises and individualized prevention plans maintain long-term knee functionality