Imagine you’re playing a game of tennis. During a sudden twist to reach the ball, you feel a sharp pain in your knee. Over the next few days, the pain gets worse, and the knee swells up, making it hard to move. After seeing a doctor, you learn that you’ve torn your meniscus—a common knee injury.
What is the Meniscus and What Does It Do?
The meniscus is a wedge-shaped piece of cartilage that sits in your knee joint, between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). There are two menisci in each knee: one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus). These pieces of cartilage act like shock absorbers, protecting your knee from the impact of everyday movements like walking or running, and helping to keep the joint stable.
How Does a Meniscus Tear Happen?
A meniscus tear can occur in several ways:
- A sports injury, often involving a sudden twist or change of direction
- Twisting your knee while in a squatting position
- Gradual wear and tear over time, especially as you age
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
If you have a meniscus tear, you might experience:
- Pain in your knee, especially when moving it
- Swelling and stiffness
- A locked knee, where you can’t fully straighten or bend it (this can happen if a piece of torn meniscus gets stuck between the bones)
- Over time, an untreated tear may lead to arthritis in the knee
How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?
Doctors typically start with a physical exam and will ask about your symptoms. X-rays help rule out other injuries, but an MRI is often the best way to confirm a meniscus tear.
Treatment Options for a Meniscus Tear
Non-surgical Treatment
If your tear isn’t severe, the first step is to reduce pain and swelling. This can be done with:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Using crutches to avoid putting too much pressure on your knee
- Gentle exercises to restore knee movement and strength
Surgical Treatment
If your knee continues to lock up or if the pain doesn’t improve, surgery might be needed. Knee surgery is usually done arthroscopically, meaning it’s minimally invasive (using small incisions).
- Partial Meniscectomy: The damaged part of the meniscus is removed, and the remaining cartilage is smoothed out.
- Meniscal Repair: In some cases, the torn part of the meniscus can be stitched back together, especially in younger patients. This option can help preserve more of the natural tissue.
After Surgery: What to Expect
Recovery depends on the type of surgery you’ve had. If part of the meniscus is removed, recovery tends to be faster. If the meniscus was repaired, you may need to wear a brace and limit how much weight you put on your leg for up to six weeks. Physical therapy will help you regain strength and movement in your knee.