Exercises for a lateral meniscus tear

The lateral meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage pad on the outer side of the knee. A tear may cause outer knee pain, swelling, clicking, catching, or difficulty bending and straightening. Exercise selection depends on tear pattern, stability, swelling, age, activity, and whether arthritis is also present.

During an irritable phase, gentle knee motion and quadriceps activation can limit stiffness without forcing the joint. As swelling settles, strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and calf can improve control and reduce load during daily tasks.

Start with heel slides, relaxed knee straightening, and thigh-muscle tightening if these are comfortable. Progress to supported sit-to-stand practice, shallow squats, step work, and balance exercises when the knee is moving well and does not swell afterward. Keep turns controlled and use steady surfaces.

Temporarily avoid deep squats, kneeling, pivoting, and impact activities that cause sharp pain or catching. Increase only one aspect of training at a time. A clinician can adapt the programme if knee osteoarthritis or a Baker's cyst is contributing to symptoms.

Seek prompt assessment if the knee locks and cannot fully straighten, repeatedly gives way, becomes rapidly swollen, or you cannot bear weight after an injury. Arrange a routine review for persistent pain, recurrent swelling, or mechanical symptoms despite sensible activity changes.

Ask which movements match the tear pattern, how much swelling is acceptable, when to resume running or pivoting, and whether examination or imaging is needed for knee locking, clicking, or ongoing pain.