The signs of a meniscus tear often appear immediately after an injury, though some people experience worsening discomfort over several days.
Pain: Usually felt along the joint line on the inside or outside of the knee.
Swelling: Stiffness and inflammation that often peaks 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
Mechanical Issues: A sensation of the knee catching, popping, or locking in place.
Instability: Feeling like the knee might give way or buckle while walking.
Physical Exam
MRI: This is the gold standard for diagnosis as it provides a clear image of soft tissues like cartilage.
X-ray: While an X-ray cannot show the meniscus itself, it helps rule out bone fractures or arthritis as the cause of pain.
Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of tear. It's important to note that degenerative meniscus tears are extremely common and often times do not cause pain. Many meniscus tears can heal without surgery.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and improve joint stability.
Injections: Corticosteroid, viscosupplementation, or platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
If the tear is large or causing the knee to lock, a surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive procedure called arthroscopy. This involves either trimming away the damaged piece or suturing the tear back together to preserve the natural cushion of the knee.