LIFESTYLE NEWS - Exercise is one of the ways to improve your physical wellbeing and it aids in great measure to get rid of ailments, aches and pains. Follow the exercise programme provided by the biokineticists at Anine van der Westhuizen Biokineticist in George and feel the difference. 

This week biokineticist Megan van Huyssteen continues the series on knee injuries.

What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). The tibia and femur don't really fit together naturally. 

This is because the tibia is flat and the femur has a more rounded shape. The function of the meniscus is to eliminate these shape differences. 

Two wedge-shaped (c-shaped) pieces of cartilage act as "shock absorbers" between your thigh bone and shin bone. This performs the very important function of protecting the underlying cartilage in the knee. It also helps to increase the stability of the knee.

The knee contains 2 menisci: the lateral and the medial. The medial meniscus differs from the lateral meniscus in that the medial meniscus is attached to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). 

This holds your medial meniscus firmly in place. Because the medial meniscus can't move freely, it can't be pushed away by the forces that are applied. Therefore compression increases, eventually causing a tear. 

This is the main reason why a medial meniscus tear happens more often than a lateral meniscus tear. In addition, medial meniscal injuries are often also associated with injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

How does a meniscus injury occur?

• The most common mechanism of meniscal injuries is a twisting of the knee while the foot is firmly planted on the ground.
• It also occurs from direct contact or pressure causing a forced twist or rotation on the knee.
• Acute meniscal tears occur when shear stress is generated while the knee is bent.

The meniscus degenerates with age, causing the cartilage in the knee to become weaker and thinner. 

You may also experience a slipping or popping sensation, which is usually an indication that a piece of cartilage has become loose and is blocking the knee joint, causing decreased range of motion. When you experience pain associated with the popping sensation, you should consult a medical professional.

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