Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is damage to knee cartilage that can cause pain, swelling, clicking, catching or difficulty moving.

Each knee has two menisci: tough, crescent-shaped cartilage pads between the thighbone and shinbone. They help distribute load and support smooth movement. A tear may happen when a planted foot twists, or when the tissue becomes less flexible over time. The location, shape and size of the tear affect symptoms and whether it can heal with non-surgical care.

Knee pain is a common presentation of a meniscus tear, often felt along the joint line and aggravated by twisting, squatting or stairs. Swelling, reduced bending, clicking, catching, locking or a sense that the knee gives way may follow. Explore [Knee Locking](/symptoms/knee-locking/), [Knee Clicking and Grinding](/symptoms/knee-clicking/) and [Knee Swelling](/symptoms/knee-swelling/) for related symptom information.

A sports or work movement can rotate the knee while the foot remains planted, placing shear force across the meniscus. A deep squat or direct impact can also contribute. With age, the tissue may become more vulnerable to a smaller twist. A tear can coexist with [Knee Osteoarthritis](/conditions/knee-osteoarthritis/) or fluid behind the knee known as a [Baker's Cyst](/conditions/bakers-cyst/).

Pain and swelling may settle as irritation reduces, while catching or restricted movement can persist if a torn fragment interferes with the joint. Some tears are managed through rehabilitation; others remain troublesome despite therapy. A knee that becomes truly stuck, rapidly swells after injury or cannot bear weight should be assessed promptly.

Pivoting sports, kneeling, deep squatting, occupational twisting and prior knee injury can increase exposure to meniscal strain. Age-related tissue changes can make a tear possible during an ordinary movement. Reduced hip or leg strength and poor movement control may add load, so rehabilitation addresses more than the knee alone.

Assessment covers the injury mechanism, pain location, swelling timing, clicking, locking and activity limits. The clinician checks joint-line tenderness, knee movement, stability, strength and walking. X-rays do not show the meniscus but can identify bone or arthritis changes; MRI may be used when the diagnosis or treatment decision remains uncertain.

Initial care may include activity modification, ice or other comfort measures, guided strengthening and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/). The choice depends on tear pattern, symptoms, age, activity goals, arthritis and examination findings. If symptoms persist or movement is mechanically blocked, an orthopedist may discuss [Knee Arthroscopy](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/knee-arthroscopy/), [Meniscus Repair](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/meniscus-repair/) or [Partial Meniscectomy](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/partial-meniscectomy/).

Avoid deep squats, pivoting and high-impact activity if they reproduce pain or catching. Keep comfortable movement and follow a strengthening plan that progresses gradually. Use a handrail on stairs while the knee feels unstable, and return to sport only when movement, strength and control have been assessed.

Persistent swelling, stiffness, muscle weakness and reduced confidence can limit work, sport and daily movement. Repeated catching may irritate the joint and encourage protective limping. Ongoing symptoms can overlap with osteoarthritis, ligament injury or a Baker's Cyst, so a reassessment is useful when recovery stalls.

Warm up before demanding activity, practise controlled landing and turning, and strengthen the hips, thighs and trunk. Increase training load in stages and address pain early rather than repeatedly playing through it. Good footwear and technique can support control, although they cannot prevent every tear.

Arrange assessment after a twisting injury with swelling, persistent joint-line pain, catching, locking or giving way. A sports-medicine clinician, orthopedist or physiotherapist can test the knee and guide rehabilitation. Seek urgent care when the knee is stuck, severely swollen, visibly deformed or impossible to bear weight on.