Meniscus tears

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, affecting athletes and active adults alike. Whether it happens suddenly during sports or develops gradually with age, a torn meniscus can make everyday movement painful and unpredictable. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people can find relief and return to the activities they enjoy.

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Illustration of a human knee joint with labeled parts including quadriceps, femur, patella, and ligaments.

Anatomy of the knee

Your knee works like a strong hinge, connecting your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap. Between the thighbone and shinbone sit two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called the meniscus, one on the inner side of the knee and one on the outer side.

The meniscus acts as a natural shock absorber, distributing weight evenly across the joint and reducing friction during movement. It works alongside ligaments, muscles and tendons to keep your knee stable. When the meniscus tears, the knee may not move as smoothly, which can lead to pain, swelling or a feeling that something is catching inside the joint.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the size and location of the injury. You may notice:

Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
Swelling or stiffness that worsens over time
A catching, locking or clicking sensation
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
Pain during twisting, squatting or climbing stairs

Some people are able to walk with a torn meniscus, while others experience significant discomfort that limits daily activities.

Causes

A meniscus tear occurs when the knee cartilage is damaged. It's a common injury in sports that involve sudden twisting, pivoting or stopping, such as soccer, basketball or football. Lifting, squatting or stepping awkwardly can also cause a tear.

As we age, the meniscus naturally becomes thinner and less flexible. This makes older adults more likely to experience degenerative meniscus tears, which can develop gradually with minimal force. However the injury occurs, a torn meniscus can interfere with normal knee movement and lead to ongoing discomfort if left untreated.

Risk factors

Certain factors can make a meniscus tear more likely, though having one or more of these does not mean you'll experience an injury:

Participating in sports that involve pivoting, cutting or sudden stops
Frequent squatting, kneeling or heavy lifting on the job
Age-related thinning of the meniscus
Previous knee injuries

Understanding your personal risk factors can help your orthopedic specialist recommend the right activity level and prevention strategies for you.

Diagnosis

Your orthopedic specialist will begin with a careful evaluation of your knee. This includes a physical exam, a discussion of your symptoms and a review of your medical history.

Imaging tests may be recommended to better understand the injury. X-rays can help rule out bone damage, while an MRI allows your provider to see the meniscus and other soft tissues in detail. Throughout the process, your care team will explain what they're looking for, share the results and recommend treatment options that fit your needs.

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