Meniscus injury

The menisci are cartilage cushions between the thigh and shin bones. A tear can happen suddenly with twisting or gradually as part of degenerative change.

What it feels like

Joint-line pain, swelling after activity, and catching or locking are common complaints.

Twisting on a planted foot is a classic injury story for younger athletes. Older adults may notice pain after a minor squat or step without a big trauma.

Some tears stay quiet until a flare of swelling and medial or lateral joint-line tenderness appears.

What is going on

Meniscus tissue distributes load and stabilizes the joint. Tears alter that mechanics and can irritate the joint lining.

Degenerative tears frequently coexist with osteoarthritis. Acute traumatic tears are a different decision tree.

Not every MRI tear needs surgery. Stable, degenerative patterns often improve with rehab.

How we evaluate

Mechanism, swelling timeline, locking history, and joint-line exam guide suspicion.

MRI confirms tear pattern when intervention decisions depend on it.

We also assess ligaments and cartilage so we do not miss a combined injury.

What we may offer

Many degenerative tears are managed with therapy, load modification, and time.

Injections may help when synovitis or coexisting OA is flaring. PRP can be discussed in selected joint contexts.

True mechanical locking, unstable tear patterns, or failed nonoperative care may lead to arthroscopy referral.

Does every meniscus tear need surgery?

No. Degenerative tears especially often do well without surgery when strength and swelling are managed.

What does locking mean?

A true lock is when the knee will not fully extend because tissue is mechanically blocking motion. That deserves prompt attention.

Can a meniscus tear heal itself?

Some tear locations have better blood supply than others. Healing potential depends on pattern, age, and stability.

How is this different from ACL injury?

ACL injuries more often involve a giving-way event and ligament instability. Meniscus tears more often cause joint-line pain and mechanical symptoms.