Meniscus injury

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage inside the knee that works like a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci — the medial meniscus (inside) and the lateral meniscus (outside). They absorb shock, protect the joint surface and help keep the knee stable.

A meniscus injury happens when this cartilage tears due to twisting, sudden turning or deep squatting. It can occur in athletes as well as in day-to-day life.

How Meniscus Injuries Occur

A meniscus tear most often happens when the knee twists while the foot is firmly planted. Common situations include:

• Sudden direction change during sports (football, basketball, badminton)
• Deep squatting or heavy weightlifting
• A fall or sudden trauma to the knee
• Aging-related degeneration of cartilage

Younger individuals typically get meniscus injuries due to sports, while older adults may experience tears during normal daily activities.

Symptoms of Meniscus Injury

Not everyone experiences symptoms immediately after the tear. Typical complaints include:

• Pain on the inside or outside of the knee
• Swelling appearing a few hours after injury
• Difficulty squatting or climbing stairs
• Catching, clicking or locking sensation in the knee
• Feeling that the knee is “stuck” or not moving smoothly
• Reduced range of motion

A torn meniscus can sometimes mimic ligament injuries, so proper evaluation is essential.

Diagnosis

A meniscus tear is diagnosed based on:

• Detailed clinical examination
• Special tests such as McMurray Test and Thessaly Test
• MRI scan to confirm the tear and assess its severity and location

An X-ray may be taken to rule out bone injury or arthritis.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the age of the patient, activity level, type of tear and symptoms.

Non-surgical management

Suitable for small tears or mild symptoms:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications (under medical supervision)
• Physiotherapy to improve knee strength and stability
• Avoiding deep squats, jumping and twisting movements
• Ultrasound guided PRP injection

Surgical treatment – Arthroscopy

When the tear causes pain, locking or persistent swelling, surgery may be needed. Meniscus surgery is done through keyhole (arthroscopic) procedure and involves:

• Meniscus repair — stitching the torn cartilage when possible
• Partial meniscectomy — removing only the damaged fragment when repair is not feasible

Surgeons always try to preserve as much meniscus as possible because it protects the knee from future arthritis.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy plays an important role after both conservative and surgical treatment. Goals include:

• Restoring knee range of motion
• Strengthening muscles around the knee
• Improving balance and coordination
• Gradual return to work and sports

Returning to full sports activity is allowed only after the knee regains strength and stability.

When to Visit Us?

Consult us if:

• Knee pain lasts more than a few days
• The knee repeatedly swells
• Clicking or locking is noticeable
• You cannot bend or straighten the knee fully
• Daily activities or sports become difficult

Key Takeaway

A meniscus injury is common and treatable. Early diagnosis and the right treatment — whether physiotherapy or arthroscopic surgery — can relieve pain and protect the knee joint in the long run. Most people return to normal activities, and athletes can safely go back to sports with proper rehabilitation.