Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. When the meniscus is torn, it can no longer protect and support the knee as effectively. This often leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, or a feeling that the knee is catching or locking. Some people can still walk with a tear, but certain movements may become uncomfortable or unstable. Meniscus tears vary in size and severity. Some are small and may heal with conservative care, while others are more serious and may require medical treatment.

A tear can occur suddenly during activities that involve twisting or rotating the knee, especially when the foot is planted. This is common in sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis, where quick changes in direction are frequent. In fact, up to 66% of patients with an acute ACL tear also have a meniscus tear.

It can also happen during everyday movements like squatting or lifting. Even a deep squat or lifting something heavy with poor form can lead to a tear. In other cases, the meniscus can weaken over time due to aging and wear, leading to a tear from minor stress or even normal movement.

Degenerative tears, on the other hand, tend to occur as part of the aging process. Over time, the cartilage becomes weaker and less flexible, making it more likely to tear with minor movements or no clear injury at all.

Several factors can increase your risk of a meniscus tear. Age is a major one, as cartilage naturally wears down over the years. Being physically active, particularly in high-impact or pivot-heavy sports, also raises the risk. Jobs that involve repetitive kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting can contribute as well. Carrying excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joint, making injury more likely. Previous knee injuries, such as ligament tears, can also weaken the joint and make the meniscus more vulnerable.

The symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Many people feel a popping sensation at the time of injury, though not everyone notices this. Pain is one of the most common symptoms, often felt along the joint line where the meniscus sits. The pain may worsen when twisting, squatting, or putting weight on the knee.

Swelling may develop within a few hours or gradually over a day or two. Some people experience stiffness or a feeling that the knee is difficult to fully bend or straighten. In certain cases, the knee may catch, lock, or feel like it is giving way. This can happen if a torn piece of cartilage interferes with normal joint movement.

For degenerative tears, symptoms may be more subtle. Instead of a sudden injury, you might notice ongoing discomfort, mild swelling, or a gradual decrease in knee function. These symptoms can come and go, sometimes improving with rest and then returning with activity.

Diagnosing a meniscus tear typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your provider will ask about your symptoms, how the injury happened, and what activities make the pain better or worse. During the exam, they will check for tenderness along the knee, evaluate your range of motion, and perform specific movements designed to stress the meniscus and identify pain or clicking.

Imaging tests are used to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are taken to rule out other causes of knee pain, such as fractures or arthritis, but they do not show the meniscus itself. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common and effective tool for visualizing a meniscus tear. An MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissues in the knee, allowing your provider to see the size, type, and location of the tear.

In some cases, especially when symptoms are unclear or not improving with treatment, a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy may be used. This involves inserting a small camera into the knee joint to directly view the meniscus and other structures. Arthroscopy can both diagnose and treat certain types of tears at the same time.