What is a meniscus? As the name implies, it is a crescent-shaped plate, which is not an ordinary “plate”, but a gasket made of transparent cartilage that is placed directly on the thigh and calf bones to cushion them from shocks. When we move, it plays an important role. Without it, there would be less articulation between the thigh and calf bones, less cushioning, there would be conflict, and there would be pain. Common meniscal injuries occur when the knee is flexed and rotated. For example, a sharp turn in a squatting position when playing soccer. In these situations, the delicate plate of cartilage, the meniscus, can tear. At first, the tear may only be at the edge, but over time, the tear will become larger and larger. This can cause discomfort, or pain, when the thigh or calf bone gets stuck in the crack during movement, and it pulls on the surrounding nerves. Over time, this can drag down the joint cartilage and cause premature aging of the joint. Therefore, if you have meniscus damage, you should treat it early. The meniscus is cartilage and cannot be cured by medication after injury. Nowadays, there is minimally invasive arthroscopic technology, which is less invasive and quicker to recover. When the meniscus is healed, the bones benefit as well.