An injuryKnee topic
Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is a tear in the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee. This page covers how it is usually described, what may happen next and what a Physical Therapy evaluation may look at.
What the meniscus is
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee. Each knee has two, one on the inner side and one on the outer side.
Two ways a tear may happen
There are two kinds of tear.
Sudden (acute)
- This kind comes mainly from twisting or turning quickly on a bent knee.
Over time (degenerative)
- This kind comes over time from repeated stress on the knee.
How it is described
People describe:
- Swelling, usually showing up within the first 24 hours or the day after an injury or activity.
- Locking or catching of the knee, which can make walking or stairs hard.
- Pain inside the joint that is worse with pressure and when walking.
- Sharp, intense pain.
- Difficulty squatting.
Knowing these descriptions does not tell you what is behind your symptoms. That takes an evaluation.
What may happen next
Mild tears may be managed with rest and self-care. Many meniscus tears are managed without surgery. Some need surgery to repair or trim the torn cartilage.
Physical Therapy is used to improve joint motion and leg strength.
A surgeon may repair a tear rather than remove the damaged part. Therapy after a repair is slower and more extensive than after removal.
What Physical Therapy may involve
Physical Therapy may include:
- Strengthening the muscles around the knee and through the leg, which eases pressure on the injured tissue.
- A plan that covers pain control, motion and strength.
- Crutches or a cane at first, with the weight you put on the leg increasing gradually.
What an evaluation may look at
An evaluation may include:
- Measuring how far the knee moves.
- Finding the movements that bring symptoms on.
- Specific tests for meniscus damage.
- A referral for tests, or to an orthopedic (bone and joint) surgeon, if needed.
How Physical Therapy may fit
A Shanti physical therapist begins with an evaluation. If Physical Therapy looks like a good fit, the plan is built around what the evaluation shows. Depending on the findings, a plan may use some, all or none of these approaches:
Safety note
When to seek medical care
Seek urgent medical care after a serious injury if you cannot put weight on the leg, or if the leg or joint looks deformed. Contact a medical professional for severe or worsening symptoms, fever, or concerns after an operation.
See the full safety checklist
When to get medical care first
Get emergency care right away if:
- you cannot put weight on the knee after an injury;
- your knee looks deformed;
- your calf or foot has numbness, tingling or a bluish color;
- your foot feels cool or looks blue after a knee injury. This can mean the knee has come out of joint, which is an emergency.
Contact a medical professional promptly if:
- your knee buckles, clicks or locks;
- your knee is still painful after 3 days of home treatment;
- the pain is severe;
- you have trouble bending or straightening the knee;
- you have a fever;
- your knee is red or warm;
- your knee is heavily swollen;
- your calf hurts or swells;
- an activity keeps bringing on knee pain. Get it checked before it gets worse.
Also contact a medical professional if:
- swelling or pain increases;
- self-care does not seem to help;
- the knee locks and you cannot straighten it;
- the knee becomes more unstable; or
- after meniscus surgery, you have a fever of 100°F (38°C) or higher, or drainage from the cut or bleeding that will not stop (contact your surgeon).
If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, ask a medical professional. Information online is not a diagnosis.
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