Meniscus Tear
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee actually has two menisci — one along the inner (medial) side of the knee and one along the outer (lateral) side. Together, they act as shock absorbers, cushioning the joint, spreading out body weight evenly across the knee, and helping the knee glide smoothly. A meniscus tear occurs when this cartilage is pinched, twisted, or overloaded beyond what it can handle, causing it to split or fray.
Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries treated by our team at Beyond the Scope Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, affecting athletes and non-athletes alike.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
Meniscus tears generally happen in one of two ways:
- Traumatic tears — usually seen in younger, active patients. These occur when the knee twists or pivots while the foot is planted on the ground, such as during a sudden change of direction in sports, a deep squat, or a forceful twist while lifting something heavy.
- Degenerative tears — more common in older adults. As we age, the meniscus naturally becomes thinner and less resilient. Something as simple as standing up from a chair or stepping off a curb can cause a tear in cartilage that has already been weakened by years of wear.
Meniscus tears often occur alongside other knee injuries, especially ACL tears, since the same twisting forces can damage both structures at once.
What Are the Symptoms of a Meniscus?
Common signs of a torn meniscus include:
- A popping or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
- Swelling that develops over several hours to a day
- Pain, particularly along the joint line on the inner or outer side of the knee
- Stiffness and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
- A sensation of the knee “catching,” “locking,” or “giving way”
- Tenderness when pressing along the edge of the knee joint
Can You Still Walk on a Torn Meniscus?
Yes, in most cases. Because the meniscus doesn’t directly support body weight the way a ligament like the ACL does, many patients are able to walk — although often with a limp — immediately after tearing it. However, if a torn flap of cartilage becomes lodged between the femur and tibia, the knee can lock and become unable to fully straighten. This “locked knee” is a sign that the tear may need more urgent evaluation.
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Treatment Options for a Meniscus Tear
Not every meniscus tear requires surgery. Treatment depends on the size, location, and pattern of the tear, along with the patient’s age and activity goals.
Nonsurgical care is often successful for small, stable tears, especially in the outer portion of the meniscus, which has a better blood supply and healing potential. This typically includes:
- Rest, ice, and activity modification
- Physical therapy to restore strength and motion
- Anti-inflammatory medication to control swelling and pain
Surgery may be recommended when a tear causes mechanical symptoms (locking, catching, or a knee that won’t straighten), when it doesn’t improve with conservative care, or when it occurs in a pattern unlikely to heal on its own. Most surgical repairs are performed arthroscopically — through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments — as either a meniscus repair (stitching the torn cartilage back together) or a partial meniscectomy (trimming away the damaged portion). Learn more on our Meniscus Surgery page.
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Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.