Meniscus Tears
What is the meniscus?
Your knee contains two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called the meniscus. One sits on the inner side of your knee and the other on the outer side, between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Together, they play an important role in keeping your knee stable and comfortable during movement.
The meniscus acts as a natural shock absorber, helping distribute weight evenly across the knee joint. It also reduces friction and supports smooth motion when you walk, run, jump or change direction. When the meniscus is healthy, it helps protect your knee from excessive wear and tear.
At Novant Health, we know how disruptive knee pain can be. Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult or simply trying to stay mobile, our orthopedic experts are here to help you understand what’s happening in your knee and guide you toward the right care.
What is a meniscus tear?
A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged. It’s one of the most common knee injuries, especially in sports that involve sudden twisting, pivoting or stopping, such as soccer, basketball or football.
Lifting, squatting or stepping awkwardly can also cause your meniscus to 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.
Knee anatomy
Your knee is like a strong hinge that connects your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap. Between the thighbone and shinbone sit the two menisci, which help cushion the joint and improve stability.
The meniscus works alongside ligaments, muscles and tendons to keep your knee aligned and functioning properly. When the meniscus is torn, the knee may not move as smoothly, leading to pain, swelling or a feeling that something is “catching” inside the joint.