What is a meniscus tear?

As you get older, the cartilage in your knees wears down and gets weaker. This thinner cartilage can tear more easily. Arthritis (a breakdown of cartilage in the joints) can also lead to a meniscus tear.

What causes a meniscus tear?

Most often, the meniscus tears during a sudden motion in which your knee twists while your foot stays planted on the ground. The tear frequently occurs while playing sports. People whose cartilage wears down (due to age or arthritis) can tear a meniscus from a motion as simple as stepping on an uneven surface. Sometimes, degeneration from arthritis causes a tear, even without a knee injury.

What are the symptoms of a torn meniscus?

People who tear a meniscus often feel like something has popped in their knee at the time of the injury. Other symptoms include:

• Feeling like your knee might give out beneath you.
• Having knee pain or stiffness or a swollen knee.
• Being unable to fully bend or straighten your leg.

What are the complications of a torn meniscus?

If your torn meniscus doesn’t heal properly, your knee won’t be as stable as it was before the injury. That can increase your risk of other knee injuries — like an ACL tear or other torn ligament.

When should I call the doctor?

You should call your healthcare provider if you:

• Can’t fully bend or straighten your leg without knee pain.
• Have swelling that doesn’t go away with a few days of RICE and taking NSAIDs.
• Feel like your knee locks up or might give way underneath you.