But according to a 1990 study, 56% of bipolar patients also have a substance abuse problem, which can make treatment even more difficult. Experts say that some bipolar patients are known to self-medicate with drugs or alcoholthough it's not recommended. In fact, they say, it does more harm than good.
A Meniscus Tear. The two most common causes of a meniscus tear are due to traumatic injury (often seen in athletes) and degenerative processes (seen in older patients who have more brittle cartilage). It is not uncommon for the meniscus tear to occur along with other damage inside the knee.
Damage to the meniscus is due to rotational forces directed to a flexed knee (as may occur with twisting sports) is the usual underlying mechanism of injury. A valgus force applied to a flexed knee with the foot planted and the femur rotated externally can result in a lateral meniscus tear.