Meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the shinbone and the thighbone. When this region is ruptured, it is called a meniscal tear. Tearing of the meniscus is one of the most common forms of knee injury that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint. Treatment includes physical therapy and medication. Although treatable, the condition needs life-long precautionary measures to prevent complications.
Common
More than 200,000 cases per year in US
Treatment from medical professional advised
Requires a medical diagnosis
Requires lab test or imaging
Can last several days or weeks
A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. Any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, especially when putting your full weight on it, can lead to a torn meniscus.
- Pain in the knee, especially when twisting or rotating
- Pain with running or walking long distances
- Popping in the knee during movement
- Swelling and/or stiffness in the knee
- Limited motion of the knee
- Difficulty extending the knee
- Locked feeling of the knee
- Fluid accumulation in the knee joint
- Forceful rotation or twisting of the knee such as sudden stops and turns
- Putting body’s full weight on the knee such as kneeling, deep squatting, or lifting heavy objects
- Aging- Worn menisci are more prone to tearing
- Injury from sports such as football, tennis, and basketball
- Obesity and overweight
- Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis
There has been a critical error on this website.