What is a meniscus injury?
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage in each knee—medial (inner) and lateral (outer). They act as shock absorbers, help distribute weight, and provide stability to the knee joint.
A meniscus injury occurs when this cartilage is torn, either through trauma (e.g. twisting injury) or degeneration (age-related wear and tear). Those that are related to degeneration are part of the process of Osteoarthritis and more can be seen about this on our Knee OA page, especially if there was no specific injury to the joint.
Symptoms
- Pain along the knee joint (often on the inner side)
- Swelling and stiffness
- Clicking, catching, or locking of the knee
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Feeling of instability or giving way
Causes
- Traumatic tears: Often from twisting on a bent knee, common in sports like football or rugby
- Degenerative tears: Occur gradually with age or repetitive strain, often without a specific injury and are related to Osteoarthritis – read more about Knee OA.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on:
- Your symptoms and activity history
- Physical examination by a clinician
- Imaging is not always necessary, especially in older adults, as meniscal changes are very common and may not cause symptoms or be part of a Knee osteoarthritis condition.
- MRI scans may be used if symptoms persist or surgery is being considered for Traumatic Tears with a specific sub-set of symptoms. They tend not to be useful for Degenerative Tears
Initial management
- Rest: Avoid activities that worsen symptoms
- Compression: Use a knee support or bandage
- Elevation: Raise the leg to reduce swelling
Treatment options
1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management
- Most meniscal injuries improve with time and exercise
- MSK Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore strength and mobility
- Full recovery may take 3 to 6 months
2. Injections
- A steroid injection may rarely be offered to reduce inflammation and pain – if there are signs of inflammation that prevent you from exercising
3. Surgery
- Considered if:
- The knee locks or gives way
- Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
- Surgery may involve trimming or repairing the torn meniscus (keyhole surgery)
Rehabilitation exercises
It is important to maintain the strength and flexibility of the knee joint, so remaining active is important.
When to seek medical advice
- If your knee gives way, causing you to fall over – contact the GP or self-refer to the MSK service
- If self-care measures are not helping – contact your GP or self-refer to the MSK service.
- If your knee locks and you are unable to ‘unlock’ it – Attend the emergency department (A&E)
- If pain becomes severe or persistent with redness of the skin and you develop a temperature – Attend the emergency department
Outlook
- Many people recover fully with non-surgical treatment
- Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of the tear
- Staying active and following a rehab plan is key to long-term knee health