The knee joint relies on components like the menisci, two C-shaped pieces of cartilage frequently involved in knee injuries. This article overviews meniscus injuries, their symptoms, and guidance on when medical evaluation is advisable.
The Meniscus and Its Injuries
The knee contains two menisci, medial (inner) and lateral (outer). These crescent-shaped, tough fibrocartilage structures sit between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia), acting as shock absorbers. They also contribute to knee stability, weight distribution, and joint lubrication.
A meniscus, being cartilage, tears rather than sprains; sprains affect ligaments. Tears often result from forceful twisting or rotating of the knee, especially when bearing weight, occurring during sports, from direct impact, or deep squatting. In older adults, degeneration can weaken the meniscus, making it susceptible to tearing from minor movements.
Meniscus tears can manifest in various patterns, including radial, horizontal, flap, and bucket-handle tears. The tear’s location influences its healing potential; the outer one-third, the “red zone,” has a blood supply and may heal, while the inner two-thirds, the “white zone,” lacks blood flow and has limited healing capacity.
Identifying Key Symptoms
Characteristic signs of a torn meniscus include sharp pain localized along the joint line (inner or outer knee). This pain may worsen with movements like twisting, squatting, or going up/down stairs. Mechanical sensations such as clicking, popping, or catching are also common.
A piece of torn cartilage can sometimes get caught within the joint, leading to a “locking” sensation where the knee suddenly becomes unable to fully straighten or bend. The knee may also feel unstable or have a tendency to “give way.”
Swelling from a meniscus tear often develops gradually over several hours or a day or two, distinguishing it from acute injuries with immediate swelling. While a meniscus sprain may cause milder pain and swelling, it typically lacks the mechanical symptoms like locking or catching common with a tear.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
Self-diagnosis of a knee injury is unreliable. A medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities.
Red flag symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include severe pain that limits movement or the ability to bear weight. Deformity of the knee, numbness, or coldness in the lower leg also require prompt evaluation. If you experience a sudden “pop” followed by pain and swelling, or if your knee locks or gives way repeatedly, consult a healthcare provider.
Before seeing a doctor, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) measures can help manage symptoms. Rest the injured knee to prevent further damage. Apply ice packs for 20 minutes several times daily, avoiding direct skin contact. Use compression with an elastic bandage to limit swelling, and elevate the leg above heart level for fluid drainage. These temporary RICE measures are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment Paths
When you consult a doctor for a suspected meniscus injury, evaluation begins with a physical examination of the knee. The doctor will assess for tenderness along the joint line and evaluate the knee’s range of motion. Specific tests, such as the McMurray test or Thessaly test, may be performed to help identify a meniscus tear by reproducing symptoms like pain, clicking, or a clunking sensation.
Imaging confirms the diagnosis. X-rays rule out other knee issues like fractures or arthritis, but don’t show cartilage. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred method for diagnosing meniscus tears. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed soft tissue images, allowing doctors to visualize the meniscus and assess tear size, type, and location.
Treatment for a torn meniscus varies based on its location, size, type, patient’s age, and activity level. Conservative management, including rest, pain management, and physical therapy, is often the first approach, especially for smaller tears in the “red zone” with better blood supply. For more significant tears or ineffective conservative treatments, surgical options may be considered. These are often arthroscopic, minimally invasive procedures to repair or remove the damaged portion.