What causes Meniscus Tears?

Meniscus tears fall into two main categories: acute (traumatic) and degenerative.

1. Athletic Twisting Injuries: This is the classic cause of a meniscus tear, especially in younger individuals. A sudden pivot, cut, or twist while the foot is planted firmly on the ground can create a shearing force that tears the cartilage. This is common in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing. These forces can cause both a medial and a lateral meniscus tear.

2. Degenerative Wear: In adults over 40, the meniscus can lose its elasticity and become more brittle. In these cases, a tear can occur with minimal trauma, such as rising from a chair or stepping awkwardly. These degenerative tears are more common in the medial meniscus. A meniscus root tear, a specific and severe type of degenerative tear, can also occur.

3. Sudden Pivoting or Deep Squatting: Activities that involve deep, forceful knee bending or rotation can trap and tear the meniscus.

4. Repetitive Kneeling: Certain occupations that require prolonged kneeling can place chronic stress on the menisci, leading to fraying and eventual tearing.