A meniscus tear is an injury to the cartilage in your knee that helps cushion and stabilize the joint. It can develop after a sudden movement, an awkward turn or bending the knee deeply under load.
It may be easy to notice and can cause:
- Pain on either side of your knee
- Swelling or stiffness
- A popping sensation at the time of injury
- Trouble bending or straightening your knee
- A feeling that your knee is catching or locking
How serious is it?
The impact of a meniscus tear varies based on how much the cartilage is affected.
- Smaller tears may be uncomfortable but still allow basic movement.
- Larger tears can disrupt normal knee motion and make activity difficult.
What does recovery look like?
How recovery unfolds is influenced by where the tear is and how extensive it is.
- Imaging tests are commonly used to better understand the injury.
- Care may focus on rest and rehabilitation, though surgery is sometimes recommended.
- Healing time can span several weeks and may be longer when surgery is involved.