What is a meniscus tear?
Also known as torn cartilage, a meniscus tear is a common knee injury involving the meniscus (a rubbery disc that cushions your knee). Each knee has two menisci (placed at the outer and inner edges of the knee) and they keep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the knee. When a meniscus is torn, your knee will no longer work properly.
How does the meniscus get torn?
A meniscus tear can happen by twisting or turning quickly while the knee is bent and the foot is planted. Lifting something heavy is a good example of how this most commonly occurs. But as you age, your meniscus gets worn so it can tear more easily.
What are the symptoms?
There are three types of meniscus tears, each having its own symptoms.
Minor Tear
- slight pain and swelling which usually subsides in 2 or 3 weeks
Moderate Tear
- pain at the side or center of the knee
- swelling gets worse over 2 or 3 days
- knee feels stiff and bending is limited
- sharp pain when you squat or twist the knee
- symptoms subside in 1 or 2 weeks but return if you twist or overuse your knee
- pain may come and go for years if not treated
Severe Tear
- the knee catches, pops, or locks
- difficult to straighten the knee
- knee may feel "wobbly" or give way without warning
- knee may swell and become stiff immediately following the injury or within 2 or 3 days
How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
Your doctor will most likely ask you questions about your past injuries and what you were doing when your knee started to hurt, etc. Your doctor will do a physical examination of both knees checking for tenderness, range of motion, and generally how stable your knee is. X-rays are also usually done at this time.
You may be recommended to orthopedic surgeon for more testing such as an MRI. This test can give a clearer picture of where the tear is located and just how severe it is.
How is a meniscus tear treated?
Treatment of a meniscus tear depends on the type of tear, where it is located, and how severe it is. Age and activity level also affect treatment choices.
Treatment may include:
- Rest: Icing, wrapping with elastic bandage, and propping up the leg
- Physical therapy.
- Surgery to either repair the meniscus or remove part of it
If surgery is the option, your recovery plan is likely to include rest, walking, and special exercises.
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