Is It Meniscus Damage? How to Recognise the Symptoms and Seek Treatment

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). It helps with shock absorption, stability, and smooth movement of the knee. However, this vital part of the knee joint can suffer damage from injuries, aging, or overuse, leading to pain and limited mobility. In this blog, we’ll explore how to recognize meniscus damage, its symptoms, and when to seek treatment.

What is Meniscus Damage?

Meniscus damage occurs when the cartilage in the knee is torn or injured. There are two menisci in each knee—one on the inner side (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus). These cartilage structures play a key role in maintaining proper knee function by helping distribute weight and stabilizing the joint.

Meniscus tears are common in athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, but they can also occur due to aging and wear-and-tear over time.

Causes of Meniscus Damage

Meniscus tears typically occur in the following ways:

1. Sudden Twisting Movements: The most common cause of meniscus damage is a sudden twisting or rotating motion, often during activities like sports or lifting.

2. Direct Impact or Trauma: A direct blow to the knee during a fall, accident, or contact sport can cause a tear in the meniscus.

3. Age-Related Degeneration: As people age, the meniscus can naturally weaken and become more susceptible to tearing with everyday activities, even without trauma.

Symptoms of Meniscus Damage

The symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common symptoms include:

1. Pain
   Pain is typically localized to the knee and may be felt on the inner or outer side, depending on which meniscus is affected. The pain can worsen when twisting, bending, or squatting.

2. Swelling
   Swelling often occurs within hours of the injury. In some cases, the knee may become visibly swollen, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the leg.

3. Limited Range of Motion
   A torn meniscus can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility. You may find it difficult to straighten your leg or perform certain movements.

4. Clicking, Locking, or Popping Sensation
   Some people with meniscus tears experience a clicking or popping sound when moving the knee. In more severe cases, the knee may "lock," preventing it from fully extending.

5. Instability
   The knee may feel unstable or weak, and you might feel like the knee is going to give out during walking or standing.

How to Diagnose Meniscus Damage

If you suspect you have a meniscus tear, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation. A physiotherapist or doctor will perform a series of physical tests to assess the knee joint. Some common diagnostic tests include:

1. McMurray Test
   During this test, the examiner bends and rotates your knee while applying pressure to check for pain, popping, or clicking that might indicate a meniscus tear.

2. MRI Scan
   In some cases, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is needed to provide a clear image of the soft tissues inside the knee. This can confirm the presence of a meniscus tear and show its size and location.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

While surgery may be necessary for large or complex tears, physiotherapy can often provide relief for smaller tears or when surgery is not an option. Physiotherapists can help with:

1. Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction
   Physiotherapists use techniques like ice therapy, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation to reduce pain and swelling in the knee joint.

2. Strengthening the Knee Muscles
   Strengthening the muscles around the knee—particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings—helps stabilize the joint and reduce stress on the damaged meniscus. This can also help improve function and reduce the risk of further injury.

3. Range of Motion Exercises
   Physiotherapists guide you through gentle stretching and mobility exercises to improve your knee’s range of motion and flexibility, helping to reduce stiffness and promote healing.

4. Manual Therapy
   Hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage, can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

5. Education and Activity Modification
   Physiotherapists provide education on how to protect the knee during daily activities. They may also suggest modifications to your exercise routine to avoid aggravating the injury and allow the meniscus to heal.

When to Seek Surgical Treatment

In some cases, meniscus tears do not respond to conservative treatments like physiotherapy, and surgery may be required. Surgery is typically considered when:

• The tear is large and does not heal on its own.

• The tear is causing significant instability or locking of the knee.

• Physiotherapy and other non-surgical treatments have not provided relief.

Surgical options include meniscectomy (removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus) or meniscus repair (suturing the torn meniscus back together). A physiotherapist plays an essential role in rehabilitation after surgery, helping you restore strength and mobility in the knee.

Conclusion

Meniscus damage can cause significant pain and limit your ability to perform daily activities, but the good news is that effective treatment is available. If you experience symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the joint, don’t wait—seek help from a physiotherapist or healthcare provider. Early intervention and physiotherapy can prevent further damage, reduce pain, and promote a faster recovery.

At Sport Dimensions, our expert physiotherapists are here to help you manage meniscus injuries and get you back to your active lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and begin your journey to recovery.