Hein Viljoen
Physiotherapy
Most of us don’t really think about the meniscus — that small, C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee — until something goes wrong. And suddenly, bending, twisting, or even going up a flight of stairs can be painful. Meniscus tears are more common than you might think, especially if you’re active or play sports. Studies suggest that around 10 to 15 percent of knee injuries involve the meniscus, and the risk increases naturally as we get older.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to look out for, the risk factors, and when it’s worth getting your knee checked.
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits in your knee like a little shock absorber. Each knee has two: the medial meniscus on the inside and the lateral meniscus on the outside. They help your knee move smoothly, spread weight evenly, and protect the joint from wear and tear. When the meniscus is injured, your knee can feel stiff, unstable, or sore.
Meniscus tears can happen in an instant or slowly over time. A few of the most common causes include:
Not every meniscus tear feels the same, but there are six early clues to watch for:
1. A distinctive "pop"
Some people feel or hear a “pop" at the time of injury, especially during a twist, pivot, or awkward landing.
2. Pain along the joint line
The pain is often felt along the inside or outside of the knee, especially with twisting, bending, squatting, or pivoting.
3. Swelling or stiffness
Your knee may become swollen, tight, or stiff shortly after the injury, or swelling may build more slowly over the next few days.
4. Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
You may feel as though your knee does not move as freely as usual, or that something is blocking full movement.
5. Clicking, catching, or locking
Your knee may click, catch, or feel like it gets stuck during movement.
6. A feeling that the knee might give way
Many people with meniscus tears describe their knee as unreliable, unstable, or as though it might buckle underneath them.
Some people face a higher chance of tearing a meniscus than others. Age plays a role, since cartilage naturally wears thinner over the years. Athletes and active people, particularly those in sports with a lot of pivoting or sudden stops, tend to be more prone to it, too.
Previous knee injuries or ongoing knee instability can also increase your risk, as the joint may not move or absorb load as well as it should.
A little discomfort here and there is normal, but it's worth getting checked out if you notice pain that just seems to be getting worse, swelling that lingers or keeps building, any locking, catching, or a sense that your knee isn't stable, or pain that's stopping you from doing your usual activities.
Don't let pain bring you to your knees. Book a session with Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy.
