• A torn meniscus is often caused by a twisting movement of the knee while bearing weight.
• A torn meniscus causes pain, locking, or clicking, and weakness of the knee.
• Exercises, medicine, and arthroscopy may be used to treat a torn meniscus.

There are 3 bones in the knee. These are the femur, tibia, and patella. The ends of those bones are covered with cartilage. This is a smooth material that cushions the bone and allows the joint to move easily without pain. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber. Between the bones of the knees are 2 crescent-shaped disks of connective tissue, called menisci. These also act as shock absorbers to cushion the lower part of the leg from the weight of the rest of the body.

Each person may have different symptoms. But the most common symptoms are:

• Pain, especially when holding the knee straight
• Swelling and stiffness
• Knee may catch, click, or lock
• Knee may feel weak or unstable

These symptoms may look like other health conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Seek care immediately if:

• You're unable to walk or move your leg.

Call your doctor if:

• Your knee locks or catches or makes a clicking, popping or grinding sound.
• Your knee is painful and/or swollen.
• Your knee feels weak or buckles.

Choosing UW Medicine for your care means getting access to some of the most experienced physicians and surgeons in the country, many of whom have spent years caring for elite and high-level athletes who have ligament and meniscus injuries. The UW Medicine team helps care for athletes from the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Huskies and many youth sports leagues.

If you’re dealing with a torn meniscus, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands with the UW Medicine team. You’ll have the benefit of comprehensive care options ranging from bracing, to medication, to therapy, to surgery. Plus, your care team is most likely participating in innovative research while training the next generation of orthopedic and sports medicine physicians.

Some patients will be able to treat a meniscus tear with nonsurgical options. If you do need surgery, you can rest assured knowing our orthopedic surgeons are ranked among the best in the nation.

Meniscus tears can happen during a rotating movement while bearing weight, such as when twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place during sports and other activities. Tears can be minor, with the meniscus staying connected to the knee. Or they can be major, with the meniscus barely attached to the knee by a cartilage thread.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. You may also need:

• X-ray. This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body. It can often find damage or disease in a surrounding ligament, tendon, bone, or muscle.
• Arthroscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure used for conditions of a joint. It uses a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope). The tube is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen. They are used to evaluate any degenerative or arthritic changes in the joint. The procedure also may detect bone diseases and tumors, as well as determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:

• Icing
• Medicine to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen
• Muscle-strengthening exercises
• Arthroscopic surgery

An untreated torn meniscus can result in instability of the knee and lasting pain. It can also increase your risk of osteoarthritis.