Knee 'Pop'... Beware of Meniscus Tears from Winter Mountain Hiking Falls

Office worker Mr. A (male, 45 years old) went on a winter trip with his family in early January for the first time in four years. It was a trip planned to enjoy skiing, which he couldn't do due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to see the snow-covered mountains in bloom, but he had to return home early due to an unexpected knee injury. Although Mr. A prepared crampons and trekking poles for safety since it was a winter hike after a long time, he tripped over a hidden rock and fell because of his excited state of mind.

Winter mountain hiking. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

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At first, he did not feel any significant pain, but as his leg gradually became numb and his knee ached, making walking difficult, he visited a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with a meniscus tear and is currently undergoing treatment.

The meniscus is named after its crescent shape, similar to the Korean pure word for "half-moon" (ban-dal). It is also commonly called the semilunar cartilage or semilunar meniscus.

The meniscus, made of fibrous cartilage tissue, helps absorb shocks and tension applied to the knee and maintains joint stability. Meniscus injury refers to any abnormality such as tearing or thinning of the meniscus caused by various factors.

Unlike degenerative arthritis, which occurs mainly in older adults, meniscus injuries typically happen at a younger age. They are caused by sudden changes in direction, slipping, or jumping during sports activities. Injuries can also occur in daily life due to twisting of the joint or severe trauma from impacts.

When the meniscus is injured, one may momentarily feel a snapping or tearing sensation. However, in the early stages of injury, as in Mr. A’s case, walking or physical activities may not be significantly affected, so many people either do not notice or ignore the pain as it quickly subsides.

However, over time, symptoms such as pain at the injury site, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion appear. When bending or straightening the knee, such as when going up or down stairs, a cracking sound may be heard, and the pain may worsen.

Meniscus injuries are difficult to diagnose with a standard X-ray. To confirm symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis, an MRI scan is performed. Additional tests such as X-rays or ultrasound may be conducted to check for other conditions.

Treatment is determined based on the patient’s age, activity level, and type of tear. If the injury is not severe, non-surgical treatments such as medication, exercise therapy, and physical therapy are applied. If the tear is severe or pain persists despite conservative treatment, surgery using arthroscopy may be considered.

Dr. Jin-Hyuk Seo, an orthopedic specialist at Daedong Hospital Joint Center, said, “When knee pain occurs, young people often neglect it thinking it will get better soon, and older adults may ignore it assuming it is a natural part of aging.” He advised, “It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist if there are unusual symptoms such as restricted knee movement or persistent pain, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are beneficial for any condition.”

To prevent meniscus injuries, it is recommended to perform sufficient stretching before and after exercise. Regular strength training at least three times a week according to one’s fitness level is advised, along with allowing time for rest and recovery after exercise. Maintaining an appropriate weight and avoiding sitting in one position for long periods or excessive sports activities are also beneficial.

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