Meniscus Tear

Meniscus tear symptoms can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time. The severity of symptoms often depends on the size and location of the tear:

• Knee pain – Often worse with twisting, pivoting, or squatting movements
• Swelling and stiffness – May develop within 24-48 hours after injury
• Catching or locking sensation – Feeling like your knee is stuck or won’t fully extend
• Popping sound – May occur at the time of injury
• Limited range of motion – Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Instability – Feeling like your knee might give way during activities

Meniscus tears can result from acute injuries or degenerative changes. Acute tears typically occur during sports activities that involve sudden direction changes, pivoting, or deep knee bending – common in football, basketball, soccer, and tennis. These tears often happen when the foot is planted while the knee rotates.

Degenerative tears are more common in adults over 40 and result from normal wear and tear as the meniscus becomes less flexible with age. Risk factors include previous knee injuries, repetitive knee stress from work or sports, obesity, and certain occupations requiring frequent squatting or kneeling. Men are slightly more likely to experience acute meniscus tears, while degenerative tears affect both genders equally as we age.

At Synergy Health Partners, our orthopedic specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose meniscus tears. Your evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, including specific tests like the McMurray test and Apley grind test to assess meniscus integrity.

Advanced imaging may include X-rays to rule out fractures and MRI scans to visualize soft tissue details and confirm the tear’s location, size, and pattern. Our state-of-the-art imaging technology provides precise diagnosis to guide your treatment plan. In some cases, diagnostic arthroscopy – a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera – may be recommended for direct visualization of the meniscus.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe knee pain, cannot bear weight on your leg, or if your knee locks and won’t move. You should also schedule an appointment with our orthopedic team if you have persistent knee pain, swelling that doesn’t improve with rest and ice after 48 hours, or recurring episodes of your knee giving way.

Don’t ignore symptoms that interfere with daily activities like climbing stairs, getting up from chairs, or walking on uneven surfaces. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and help you avoid more complex procedures later. Our specialists recommend evaluation within a few days of injury for optimal outcomes.