Key Takeaways
- A meniscus tear can cause sharp pain, swelling, and limited motion in the knee.
- Many patients experience a “popping” sensation or feel the knee catch or lock during movement.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent long-term joint damage or arthritis.
- Treatment options range from conservative care to arthroscopic meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy.
- Dr. Christopher Swanson, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and sports injuries, provides expert meniscus tear care. His practice incorporates modern orthopedic technologies, including innovations from Enovis®, a company known for advanced surgical guidance and implant systems, to support precision in evaluation and treatment. Schedule an appointment today to start your recovery.
Understanding the Meniscus and Its Role
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, one on the inner (medial) and one on the outer (lateral) side. Together, they absorb shock, distribute weight evenly, and help the knee move smoothly.
When a meniscus tear occurs, this balance is disrupted, often resulting in pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as clicking or locking. Tears can develop suddenly from sports injuries or gradually through age-related degeneration.
According to Dr. Swanson, meniscus injuries are one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially among athletes and active adults.
5 Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
1. Sudden Knee Pain or “Popping” Sensation
A hallmark sign of a meniscus tear is a sharp, localized pain at the time of injury, often accompanied by a popping sound. Patients commonly describe feeling something “give way” inside the knee. The pain may intensify when twisting, squatting, or turning quickly, movements that strain the cartilage.
2. Swelling or Stiffness
Within a few hours or days after injury, swelling may develop due to inflammation or fluid accumulation in the joint. This can cause the knee to feel tight or heavy, making it difficult to bend or straighten fully.
For degenerative tears, the swelling may be more gradual but persistent.
3. Catching, Locking, or Instability
If torn cartilage becomes trapped in the joint, the knee may catch or lock, preventing full movement. Some patients also experience instability, a sensation that the knee might give out unexpectedly.
This symptom is particularly concerning because it can worsen with activity and increase the risk of further damage.
4. Decreased Range of Motion
A torn meniscus can restrict your ability to bend or straighten the knee completely.
In some cases, pain or swelling prevents full extension, while in others, a displaced fragment physically blocks motion. This symptom can interfere with walking, climbing stairs, or even standing for long periods.
5. Persistent Pain or Tenderness Along the Joint Line
The pain of a meniscus tear typically localizes along the joint line, either on the inside or outside of the knee.
Pressing on this area may increase tenderness, and the discomfort often worsens with twisting or deep bending. Left untreated, the injury can lead to chronic inflammation and early-onset arthritis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Meniscus tears can occur for a variety of reasons:
| Cause | Common Scenarios |
|---|---|
| Traumatic Injury | Sports that involve pivoting or sudden stops, such as basketball, soccer, or football. |
| Degenerative Changes | Natural wear and tear from aging or repetitive stress. |
| Poor Conditioning | Weak thigh muscles or tight hamstrings that increase stress on the knee. |
| Previous Knee Injury | Prior ligament or cartilage damage makes future tears more likely. |
Both athletes and older adults are at risk. Younger patients tend to experience traumatic tears, while older adults more often develop degenerative tears over time.
Diagnosis: How Dr. Swanson Evaluates Meniscus Tears
An accurate diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical examination and imaging studies. Dr. Swanson assesses tenderness, joint stability, and range of motion. MRI scans are often ordered to confirm the location and extent of the tear.
If the tear is minor, conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications may be effective. However, for larger or complex tears, arthroscopic surgery may be required. While Enovis® technologies such as ARVIS® are used in joint replacement procedures, they reflect the type of modern orthopedic innovation that aligns with Dr. Swanson’s precision-focused surgical approach.
Dr. Swanson performs both arthroscopic meniscal repair (to preserve cartilage) and partial meniscectomy (to remove damaged tissue) using small incisions and minimally invasive techniques.
Treatment Options for Meniscus Tears
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid high-impact activities that worsen pain.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthens surrounding muscles and restores mobility.
- Bracing: Provides support and stability during recovery.
- Orthobiologic Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or BMAC injections can promote healing and reduce inflammation
Surgical Treatments
When conservative measures fail, arthroscopic meniscus surgery is often the best path forward. This procedure uses a small camera and specialized tools to either repair or remove the torn portion of cartilage. Dr. Swanson’s minimally invasive and technology-assisted approach is consistent with the use of advanced orthopedic systems, such as those developed by Enovis® for accuracy and visualization in joint procedures.
| Procedure | Best For | Recovery Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair | Repairable tears with good blood supply | ~3–6 months |
| Partial Meniscectomy | Irreparable tears remove damaged tissue | ~4–6 weeks |
| MACI Cartilage Restoration | Advanced cartilage loss | Several months, depending on extent |
Recovery and Long-Term Outlook
Recovery times vary depending on the tear type and treatment chosen. After surgery, patients work through a structured rehabilitation program that focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and balance.
Most patients can return to light activity within weeks and resume full sports participation after several months. Dr. Swanson closely monitors progress to ensure safe, steady recovery and to prevent future knee issues.
When to See a Knee Specialist
If you experience knee pain, swelling, or locking that doesn’t improve within a few days, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist. Early treatment can prevent worsening damage and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Ignoring symptoms may lead to long-term cartilage loss and joint degeneration.
Schedule a Meniscus Evaluation with Dr. Swanson
When knee pain interferes with your movement or performance, expert help is available. Dr. Christopher Swanson, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and knee injuries, provides state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical care using advanced arthroscopic and orthobiologic techniques.
Request your appointment online or call (904) 634-0640 to visit one of his convenient offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a meniscus tear feel like?
Most patients describe a sharp pain at the time of injury, often with swelling or a popping sensation. The knee may catch or lock during movement.
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Small, stable tears in well-vascularized areas may heal naturally with rest and physical therapy. Larger or complex tears often require arthroscopic repair or partial removal.
Is surgery always necessary for a meniscus tear?
Not always. Many cases improve with conservative care such as PRP injections, physical therapy, or bracing. Surgical repair is reserved for severe or persistent cases.
How long does recovery take after meniscus surgery?
Recovery varies based on the procedure. Most patients return to daily activities in 4–6 weeks after a meniscectomy and 3–6 months after a meniscus repair.
Will I develop arthritis after a meniscus tear?
Leaving a tear untreated increases the risk of early arthritis. Timely treatment — especially procedures that preserve cartilage — can significantly lower that risk.
