Knee Meniscus Injury — What You Need to Know

What the meniscus does

Inside your knee joint sit two crescent-shaped pads of fibrocartilage called the menisci. They act as shock absorbers between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia).

The meniscus spreads load, stabilises movement, and protects joint surfaces from excessive wear. When it tears, you may feel pain, instability, or mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking.

How meniscus tears happen

Meniscus injuries occur in two main ways:

Acute tears often follow a twisting or pivoting movement while your foot is planted. These injuries are common in sports involving rapid direction changes, such as football, basketball, or netball.

Degenerative tears develop gradually with age. Over time, cartilage becomes less resilient. A simple squat, kneeling movement, or rising from a chair can trigger symptoms in a weakened meniscus.

Risk increases with:

• Age over 40

• Previous knee injuries (such as ACL injury)

• Higher body weight

• Repetitive squatting or pivoting activities

Symptoms you may notice

Symptoms vary depending on tear size and location. You may experience:

• Pain along the inner or outer joint line

• Swelling that develops over several hours

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

• Clicking or popping sensations

• A feeling that the knee “gives way”

• Locking, where the knee cannot fully straighten

True locking — where the joint becomes physically stuck — requires prompt medical review.

How diagnosis works

Your GP or physiotherapist begins with a physical examination, assessing joint line tenderness, range of motion, and rotational stress tests.

Imaging may include:

• X-ray, to exclude fracture or advanced arthritis

• MRI, which provides detailed visualisation of meniscal tears

The location of the tear matters. The outer edge (“red zone”) has better blood supply and greater healing potential. The inner portion (“white zone”) has limited circulation and is less likely to heal without intervention.

Treatment options

Management depends on tear type, severity, age, activity level, and symptoms.

Conservative care

Many small or stable tears improve without surgery. Early management may include:

• Relative rest

• Ice and compression in the acute phase

• Gradual physiotherapy to restore strength and control

• Targeted quadriceps and hamstring strengthening

Structured rehabilitation improves stability and reduces future injury risk.

Surgical management

If symptoms persist, the knee repeatedly locks, or instability interferes with daily life, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may be considered.

Surgical approaches include:

• Meniscal repair — stitching the tear (more common in younger patients or red-zone tears)

• Partial meniscectomy — trimming unstable fragments

Preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible is important for long-term joint health.

Recovery expectations

Recovery timelines vary:

• Minor tears with rehabilitation may improve within several weeks

• Partial meniscectomy often allows return to activity within 4–6 weeks

• Meniscal repair typically requires 3–6 months of structured rehabilitation

Your rehabilitation plan should match your work, sport, and long-term knee goals.

When to seek urgent review

Seek prompt medical care if:

• Your knee locks and cannot straighten

• You heard a loud pop and swelling appeared rapidly

• The knee feels unstable or cannot bear weight

Early assessment supports clearer decisions and reduces the risk of ongoing joint damage.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.