The meniscus is one of the important structures that make up the knee joint. From the shape and location of the meniscus, it lies between the femoral condyles and the tibial plateau, acting as a cushion to protect the joint surfaces of both, absorbing the downward shock. It is the stabilizing effect of the meniscus that keeps the knee joint from being damaged by years of weight-bearing exercise. The meniscus is so important to the knee joint, so what can damage it? 1. Doing a sharp turn and a sharp stop: These situations are common in sports, such as playing basketball or soccer, a sharp turn and a sharp stop to “shake” off the opponent, if the warm-up is not sufficient, the action is not standardized, it is easy to damage the meniscus. In daily life, such as lifting heavy objects, unstable standing when rushing off the bike, may also lead to this situation. 2, impact: For example: kicking a soccer ball when the leg and the opponent collide, a car accident leg hit the car, can also cause damage to the meniscus. 3, chronic injury: many people may not have suffered obvious trauma before, but the usual work, household chores too heavy, especially the need to squat often, which will also cause the meniscus slowly appear symptoms of strain. Initial self-judgment 1, the joint appears “don’t stuck” feeling Many patients with meniscus injury, when walking or doing a certain action, will suddenly feel that the leg can not move, the joint inside like “stuck” like. If you move the joint slowly, this “stuck” feeling may disappear. This is medically known as the “crossover phenomenon” of the joint. This occurs when a torn meniscus becomes stuck in the joint, causing a restriction in joint movement. However, it is not always the case that the meniscus is damaged. If there are small free bones in the joint, they may also get stuck in the joint and cause the phenomenon of interlocking. 2, over-extension, overflexion with pain When there is a suspicion of meniscal damage, you can lie on the bed, try to let the knee joint in full extension, and then gently extend the lower leg upward, this action will lead to greater pressure in front of the joint, if there is damage to the meniscus, when doing this action, the meniscus will be squeezed and stretched to produce pain; conversely, we will be the maximum degree of flexion of the knee joint, will let the back of the knee joint If this time produces pain, it means that the posterior horn of the meniscus may be ruptured. 3, squatting and walking pain This action is to check whether there is damage to the posterior horn of the meniscus, by squatting and walking, and changing direction from time to time, either left or right. If there is pain or ringing in the knee when doing these movements, or if you cannot flex the knee at all, this indicates that there is a possibility of damage to the posterior horn of the meniscus. Tip: The above mentioned 2 and 3 should be checked in moderation to avoid aggravating the damage to the meniscus due to repeated checks.