What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?

The menisci are pads of cartilage between the thighbone and shinbone. A tear may happen during a twisting movement, or develop gradually with age-related change. Pain is often felt on the inner or outer joint line and may increase with squatting, pivoting, or stairs. Swelling can develop soon after an injury or build over the following hours. Some people notice clicking or catching, while a displaced fragment can make the knee temporarily lock or prevent full straightening. Giving way may reflect pain, swelling, or altered control and is not specific to one diagnosis.

After a twisting injury, reduce pivoting, deep squats, and impact while keeping gentle movement that does not sharply increase pain. Arrange an assessment if symptoms persist, the knee repeatedly catches, or walking is affected. A clinician checks joint-line tenderness, movement, swelling, and stability; imaging may be considered when the findings or injury history warrant it. Treatment can range from rehabilitation and activity modification to other options when mechanical symptoms continue.

Seek prompt care if the knee is locked and cannot fully straighten, you cannot bear weight, swelling appears rapidly after injury, or the joint looks deformed. Get urgent help for a hot, red knee with fever or feeling unwell. Arrange routine review for ongoing pain, repeated giving way, or swelling that returns after activity.

Does my pain location and movement pattern fit a meniscus injury or another knee problem? Is my locking mechanical or caused by pain? Which exercises and movements are safe while the knee settles?