Meniscus tear causes prevention and the latest treatment methods

The meniscus is a key structure for knee stability and joint health, acting as a cushion that absorbs shocks and reduces friction between the thighbone and shinbone during movement. However, sports injuries, sudden twists, or aging can lead to a meniscus tear, causing severe pain, swelling, and difficulty performing daily activities.In this Dalili Medical article, we’ll explore the causes of meniscus tear, the symptoms to watch out for, the latest treatment options, and the preventive measures that help you maintain healthy knees and improve your quality of life.

What Is the Meniscus and Why It’s Important for the Knee

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of fibrous cartilage located inside the knee joint. Each knee contains two menisci:

Medial meniscus (inner meniscus)
Lateral meniscus (outer meniscus)

The meniscus acts as a cushion between the thighbone and shinbone, helping distribute body weight evenly across the knee. This reduces joint pressure and protects it from wear and tear.

Importance of the Meniscus

Shock absorption: Reduces impact on the knee and protects the joint from excessive pressure.
Load distribution: Evenly spreads body weight across the knee surface to minimize friction.
Joint stability: Helps maintain knee balance during walking, running, or bending.
Joint nutrition: Aids in circulating synovial fluid inside the knee, nourishing and maintaining cartilage health.

Does a Meniscus Tear Affect Sports Performance?

Yes. A torn meniscus can cause pain and restricted movement, and without proper treatment, it can prevent normal sports activity. Physical therapy or surgery often helps athletes return to their routines gradually.

Does a Meniscus Tear Only Happen to Older Adults?

No. While older adults are more prone due to cartilage degeneration, young people can also suffer meniscus tears — especially from sports injuries or sudden twisting movements.

Does a Meniscus Tear Cause Permanent Knee Swelling?

Usually not. The swelling is temporary and improves with medical or physical therapy. However, in chronic or untreated cases, mild swelling may persist.

What’s the Difference Between Inner and Outer Meniscus Tears?

Inner meniscus tear: More common, often causes more pain and knee instability.
Outer meniscus tear: Less common and sometimes milder but still requires accurate diagnosis.

Can Meniscus Surgery Be Done Without a Large Incision?

Yes. Most modern surgeries use arthroscopy, which involves very small incisions. This reduces pain and speeds up recovery.

How Long Until You Can Walk After Meniscus Surgery?

After partial meniscus removal: Walking is usually possible within a few days using crutches.
After meniscus repair (stitching): Recovery may take 4–6 weeks with physical therapy to strengthen the knee.

Can Physical Therapy Alone Heal a Torn Meniscus?

It depends on the type of tear:

Minor or partial tears: Often heal with physical therapy alone.
Complete or complex tears: Usually require surgery alongside physical therapy.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience:

Sudden increase in pain or swelling.
Inability to fully bend or straighten the knee.
Knee locking or “catching” during movement.
Redness or warmth around the knee (possible infection).

Does Obesity Increase the Risk of Meniscus Tears?

Yes. Excess body weight adds pressure on the knee joint and cartilage, increasing the risk of tears or degeneration over time.

Safe Exercises to Prevent Meniscus Tears

You can protect your meniscus through exercises like:

Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Balance and stability training for the knee.
Warming up before sports or workouts.
Avoiding sudden twists or turns during activities.

Causes of Meniscus Tears in Detail

1. Sudden or Forceful Movements

The most common cause, especially in sports that involve quick direction changes like football, basketball, and tennis.
When the foot is planted while the body twists suddenly, the inner or outer meniscus can partially or completely tear.

2. Direct Trauma or Falls

Tears can occur after:

Falling on the knee.
Direct knee collisions.
Car accidents or strong impacts on the joint.

3. Heavy Lifting or Overexertion

Frequent lifting of heavy weights puts extra stress on the meniscus, gradually weakening it even without sudden movement.

4. Aging and Cartilage Degeneration

As people age, the meniscus loses flexibility and shock absorption ability. Even simple movements, like climbing stairs, may cause tears in older adults.

5. Weak Muscles Around the Knee

Strong muscles protect the knee by distributing load evenly. Weak muscles increase the risk of repeated strain and tearing.

6. Chronic Inflammation or Joint Diseases

Conditions such as knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis make the cartilage less elastic and more likely to tear.

7. Skipping Warm-Ups Before Exercise

Warm-ups improve blood flow to muscles and joints. Without adequate warm-up, the meniscus becomes stiff and more prone to injury.

8. Obesity

Excess weight puts continuous pressure on the meniscus, decreasing its flexibility and increasing the likelihood of tears or degeneration.

Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

1. Sudden Knee Pain

Usually the first sign — it can appear right after twisting or falling.
The pain may be sharp at first or worsen gradually, especially when bending or walking.

2. Knee Swelling

Appears within hours or a day after injury due to fluid or blood buildup inside the joint.
The knee looks larger than normal and may feel warm to the touch.

3. Stiffness or Limited Movement

It becomes hard to bend or straighten the knee fully.
A torn meniscus can physically block joint movement, causing a “locked” feeling.

4. Popping or Clicking Sensation at the Time of Injury

Some people hear or feel a “pop” when the meniscus tears.
This happens because of the cartilage fibers snapping or abnormal joint movement.

5. Knee Instability

The knee may feel like it’s “giving way” when walking or climbing stairs because the damaged meniscus weakens joint stability.