Acute meniscus injury
A tear of the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage, often from twisting.
Overview
An acute meniscus injury is a tear of the cartilage that cushions the knee, usually from a twisting movement on a loaded leg. Symptoms include pain, swelling and sometimes catching or locking. Many tears settle with rehabilitation.
Symptoms
- Pain along the joint line
- Swelling developing over hours
- Catching, clicking or locking
- Pain with deep squatting or twisting
Causes
- Twisting on a planted, loaded leg
- Sport-related pivoting
- Degenerative tears in older adults
Treatment
- Early swelling and movement management
- Progressive strengthening
- Return-to-activity progression
- Surgical opinion for locking or persistent symptoms