[Kok! Health] A 'Puck' Sound from the Knee During Exercise... Beware of Meniscus Tear

Knee pain stock photo. [Image source=Getty Images]

One of the most commonly injured joints in daily life is the knee joint. The reason the knee is easily damaged is that it is less stable compared to other joints. Especially during winter or transitional seasons when temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict and the muscles and ligaments around the joint stiffen, requiring even more caution.

"Meniscus tear" refers to the rupture of the crescent-shaped cartilage (meniscus) located between the thigh bone and the shin bone that absorbs shock. The meniscus is made of soft tissue and can easily tear even from minor impacts.

It can occur due to sudden changes in direction or slipping on icy or rainy roads, and in middle-aged and older adults, degenerative changes in the cartilage can cause meniscus tears to progress without them realizing it. Frequently sitting cross-legged, squatting, or kneeling increases the risk of developing this condition. People in their 20s to 40s mainly experience sports-related injuries during exercise, while those aged 50 and above often suffer from degenerative tears.

Symptoms may include a popping sensation when the meniscus tears. Initially, the injury might not be noticeable, allowing walking despite the knee injury, but after 2 to 3 days, the knee gradually becomes stiff and swollen. Orthopedic specialist Lee Yong-jun from H Plus Yangji Hospital explained, "If the knee frequently swells with pain, suddenly buckles without strength, or if the range of motion of the knee joint is continuously limited, meniscus damage can be suspected. Diagnosis and examination involve pressing along the joint surface where the meniscus is located to check for pain; if pain is present, the likelihood of a tear is high."

Treatment methods are determined by considering the degree of the tear, its location and extent, the severity and characteristics of symptoms, and their duration, choosing between conservative or surgical treatment. If symptoms are severe, the tear is extensive, or there is persistent pain and catching sensation at the tear site, surgical treatment is necessary. Arthroscopic meniscectomy and meniscus repair are representative surgical methods. Meniscus repair requires 4 to 6 weeks for healing, while partial meniscectomy allows a quick return to daily life without special restrictions. The specialist added, "Post-treatment management involves starting exercises to improve the knee joint’s range of motion, with gradual strengthening exercises progressing during rehabilitation. Most rehabilitation can be easily done at home and can be supported through physical therapy."

To prevent knee joint health issues, weight control and muscle strengthening exercises are fundamental. Intense exercises that put excessive strain on the joints should be avoided as much as possible. Hiking is better done on gentle courses rather than steep and high slopes, allowing for light trekking. Additionally, brisk walking for about an hour a day is recommended. Exercises that involve extending the knee while sitting strengthen the quadriceps muscles on the front and inner thigh above the knee, which can help prevent knee cartilage damage, so it is good to do these exercises frequently.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.