Meniscus Injuries
A meniscus injury can cause knee pain, swelling, clicking, catching or difficulty moving the joint. Understanding the type and severity of the injury is important for choosing the right treatment approach.
What is a meniscus injury?
A meniscus injury is damage to one of the two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage located between the thigh bone and shin bone in the knee. Meniscus tears can occur during sports, twisting movements or as a result of age-related changes.
Treatment depends on the tear pattern, symptoms, age, activity level and overall condition of the knee.
What Is the Meniscus?
Each knee has two menisci. They are specialised pieces of cartilage positioned between the femur and tibia and help distribute load through the knee joint.
The menisci also contribute to shock absorption, joint stability and smooth movement of the knee. When a meniscus becomes torn or damaged, it may cause pain and mechanical symptoms.
Meniscus injuries can range from relatively small tears that improve with conservative treatment to injuries that require specialist assessment and, in selected cases, surgical treatment.
Inside the knee joint
Two menisci in each knee
Load distribution and shock absorption
Twisting or rotational movements
Two Menisci, One Knee
The knee contains two menisci that work together to help distribute forces across the joint.
Medial Meniscus
The medial meniscus is located on the inner side of the knee. It is relatively less mobile and can be affected by twisting or rotational injuries.
Lateral Meniscus
The lateral meniscus sits on the outer side of the knee and contributes to load distribution and joint stability during movement.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Injury
Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the tear and whether other structures of the knee are also affected.
Knee Pain
Pain may be felt along the inner or outer joint line of the knee and may become worse with twisting or bending.
Swelling
Swelling may develop after an injury or increase following activity involving the affected knee.
Clicking
Some people notice clicking or other unusual sensations while bending or straightening the knee.
Catching or Locking
Certain tears may cause a catching sensation or difficulty moving the knee through its full range.
Difficulty Squatting
Deep bending, squatting or kneeling may become uncomfortable or difficult.
Reduced Knee Movement
Pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms may limit normal movement of the knee.
Causes of Meniscus Tears
Meniscus injuries may happen suddenly during a sports activity or twisting movement. They can also develop gradually as the tissue becomes less resilient with age.
The exact cause and injury pattern are important when deciding how the condition should be managed.
How Is a Meniscus Injury Diagnosed?
A specialist assessment combines your symptoms, examination findings and imaging when required.
Injury History
The doctor may ask how the injury occurred, when symptoms began and which movements cause discomfort.
Knee Examination
The knee may be examined for tenderness, swelling, movement, stability and mechanical symptoms.
Imaging
X-rays may help evaluate bones and joint changes, while MRI may be considered when a soft-tissue injury needs further assessment.
Treatment Plan
The findings are used to determine whether rehabilitation, observation or another treatment approach is appropriate.
Meniscus Injury Treatment
Not every meniscus tear requires surgery. Treatment depends on factors such as the type of tear, symptoms, age, activity level and condition of the knee.
Rest & Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate symptoms may help the knee settle while an appropriate rehabilitation plan is established.
Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation may focus on restoring knee movement, strengthening surrounding muscles and improving functional control.
Pain Management
Appropriate pain-relieving measures may be recommended based on the individual's symptoms and medical history.
Rehabilitation
A structured recovery programme can help patients gradually return to everyday activities and, when appropriate, sport.
Arthroscopic Treatment
In selected cases, arthroscopic surgery may be considered when symptoms persist or the tear causes significant mechanical problems.
Individualised Care
The most appropriate approach depends on the individual patient, the tear characteristics and the goals of treatment.
Discuss Your Symptoms →Meniscus Injuries in Athletes
Meniscus tears can occur in activities that involve rapid changes of direction, pivoting, jumping or twisting. Football, cricket, basketball and other sports can place significant rotational demands on the knee.
Returning to sport should generally be gradual and guided by symptoms, strength, movement and functional recovery.
Explore Sports Injuries →Protect Your Knee
Persistent pain, swelling or locking after a sports injury should not be ignored.
When Should You See a Specialist?
A knee injury should be evaluated when pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms persist or interfere with normal activity.
Book a Consultation →Knee pain after a twisting injury
Persistent knee swelling
Repeated clicking or catching
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
Symptoms preventing return to sport
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a meniscus tear? +
A meniscus tear is an injury to one of the cartilage structures located between the femur and tibia in the knee. Tears can occur because of a sudden twisting injury or age-related changes in the tissue.
What are the symptoms of a meniscus injury? +
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, clicking, catching, difficulty bending or straightening the knee and discomfort during squatting or twisting.
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own? +
The ability of a meniscus tear to heal depends on factors such as the location and pattern of the tear and the blood supply to the affected area. Some injuries may improve with appropriate non-surgical treatment, while others may require further intervention.
Does every meniscus tear require surgery? +
No. Surgery is not required for every meniscus injury. Depending on the injury and symptoms, treatment may include activity modification, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Surgery may be considered for selected patients.
Can I walk with a meniscus tear? +
Some people can walk with a meniscus injury, while others may experience significant pain, swelling or difficulty bearing weight. The appropriate level of activity depends on the individual injury.
Can a meniscus injury happen during sports? +
Yes. Sports involving pivoting, twisting, sudden changes of direction or contact can increase the risk of meniscus injury.
When should I see an orthopaedic doctor? +
You should consider an orthopaedic assessment if knee pain or swelling persists after an injury, if the knee repeatedly catches or locks, or if symptoms prevent normal activities or participation in sport.
Don't Ignore Persistent Knee Pain.
Get your knee assessed and understand the treatment options available for your condition.