A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries , yet it’s often misunderstood. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the joint between your thigh bone and shin bone. When this cartilage tears—often due to twisting or heavy lifting—it can cause discomfort and change how your knee works. Unlike ligament injuries or arthritis, a torn meniscus comes with its own set of symptoms, some of which can be subtle or mistaken for everyday strains. Spotting these signs early can make a big difference, leading to faster diagnosis and a smoother recovery. In this article, we’ll highlight how to recognise the symptoms of a torn meniscus, drawing on clinical research to help you feel confident about knowing what to watch for.
The symptoms of a torn meniscus can differ from person to person, but several key signs often appear. One of the most common is pain along the edge of the knee, which usually worsens during activities like twisting, squatting, or standing up from a chair. Swelling is also typical, but with a meniscus injury, it often develops gradually over several hours rather than appearing immediately. Another hallmark symptom is a feeling that the knee “locks,” catches, or gives way—this occurs when a torn piece of cartilage gets caught in the joint, disrupting smooth movement. Many people notice that their knee feels stiff and has trouble fully bending or straightening. The pain can come and go, making the injury harder to recognise or easy to dismiss as minor. It’s also possible for a person with a torn meniscus to have very subtle symptoms or, on occasion, none at all. Understanding these signs is an important first step in recognising a meniscus tear and knowing when to seek care.
Differentiating a torn meniscus from other knee injuries is crucial because treatment options can vary. For example, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear often causes a sudden pop, rapid swelling, and a sense of instability—your knee may feel as if it’s going to give out. Osteoarthritis , on the other hand, usually brings a long-lasting, dull ache and stiffness throughout the knee rather than the specific locking or catching associated with a torn meniscus. To help pinpoint the problem, clinicians use specific exams, such as the McMurray test, along with careful attention to the patient’s description of symptoms. Although meniscus injuries can affect anyone, research finds the symptoms in older adults are often similar to those in younger patients. Not every meniscus tear causes symptoms, so if your knee feels uncomfortable, locked, or swollen without a clear reason, it’s worth seeing a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment—sometimes imaging like MRI is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
A torn meniscus can get in the way of daily life, making activities like walking, climbing stairs, or playing sports difficult or painful. Recognising the injury early gives you the best chance of starting with conservative treatments—rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications—aimed at easing pain and swelling while strengthening the surrounding muscles. However, if the injury is ignored or severe, ongoing symptoms like pain, swelling, or intermittent locking can worsen, sometimes leading to further joint damage that requires surgical repair or removal of the torn cartilage. Research shows that early diagnosis and proper management, whether non-surgical or surgical, can lead to better pain relief and improved movement, while waiting too long might increase your risk for long-term joint problems. Prompt attention and care can mean a quicker return to your normal activities.
Recognising the early signs of a torn meniscus—such as pain, swelling, locking, or stiffness—can help you get the right treatment and avoid further joint issues. Understanding how these symptoms differ from other knee injuries is key to seeking the best care. Clinical research consistently shows that early, accurate diagnosis improves outcomes and helps preserve knee function in the long run. If you think you may have injured your meniscus, don’t wait—consult a healthcare professional and start your recovery as soon as possible.
Ahn, J. H., Choi, S. H., Lee, Y. S., Yoo, J. C., Chang, M. J., Bae, S., & Bae, Y. R. (2010). Symptomatic torn discoid lateral meniscus in adults. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 19(2), 158-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1058-8
Eichenholtz, S. N., Jacobs, B., & Patterson, R. L. (1968). Meniscus injuries of the knee in the elderly. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 16(3), 281-289. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1968.tb00737.x
Yang, X., & Shao, D. (2019). Bilateral discoid medial meniscus. Medicine, 98(15), e15182. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000015182
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