5 Meniscus Tear Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

One of the most common and easy-to-miss causes of knee trouble is a meniscus tear. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. You have two in each knee, and they serve as shock absorbers between your thighbone and shinbone.

When there’s a tear in the meniscus, some people feel a distinct pop, while others notice stiffness and pain that develop over time. Though these tears are often linked to athletes or people with physically demanding jobs, anyone can be at risk, especially as you age or if you’re dealing with arthritis.

A little soreness after a workout, stiffness after sitting for too long, or minor swelling might not seem like a big deal. But knowing the signs of a potential tear is critical. If left untreated, a torn meniscus can lead to long-term damage or arthritis in the knee. 

OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, is uniquely equipped to help. David Chao, MD, and his team understand the ins and outs of sports injuries and long-term joint care. They use expert diagnostics and advanced treatment options to help you get back to your favourite activities without delay.

In this blog, we’ll walk through five meniscus tear symptoms you shouldn’t ignore and explain why early treatment makes all the difference.

A popping sensation at the time of injury

Many people who tear their meniscus remember feeling or hearing a “pop” when it happens. It often occurs during movements that involve twisting or pivoting, like changing direction quickly during sports or lifting something heavy while squatting.

This sensation isn’t always painful at first, but it’s often a sign that something inside the knee shifted in a way it shouldn’t have. If you’ve experienced a pop followed by discomfort or swelling in the knee, it’s worth getting it checked. Even if the pain subsides, the underlying injury might still need treatment to avoid worsening over time.

Swelling and stiffness that doesn’t go away

Swelling in the knee isn’t uncommon after intense activity or a bump. If that swelling lingers for more than a couple of days, though, it could be a sign of internal damage. A torn meniscus often causes inflammation inside the knee, making it feel tight, puffy, or warm to the touch. Stiffness can also follow. 

You may notice it’s harder to fully bend or straighten your knee, or that it feels locked in a limited range of motion. 

Pain when twisting, pivoting, or squatting

Movements like squatting, stepping sideways, or twisting your leg can cause a sharp or aching pain, usually along the inside or outside edge of the knee, depending on which meniscus is torn. If your knee pain is activity-specific, pay attention to when it shows up and how intense it is. 

A feeling of instability

One of the telltale signs of a meniscus tear is the sensation that your knee might give out. It might feel wobbly when you walk, unstable when you stand, or like it could buckle at any moment. Some people also feel their knee “catch” or “lock,” making it difficult to move smoothly. 

These symptoms happen when the torn piece of cartilage interferes with the natural movement of your joint. You shouldn’t try to push through them, as doing so could increase damage. 

Lingering discomfort after physical activity

Some meniscus tears start out with mild discomfort that only shows up after walking, jogging, or climbing stairs. If your knee consistently hurts after activity, even if it feels okay while you’re moving, it could be a sign of a small or degenerative tear.

Chronic low-grade pain can be easy to ignore, especially if it doesn’t stop you from being active. But over time, the tear may worsen and start affecting your mobility. Addressing it early gives you more treatment options and a better long-term outlook.

Your knees are essential to almost everything you do, including walking, running, sitting, standing, and moving through life with ease. If you’re noticing pain, swelling, or instability in one or both knees, it’s worth asking: Could it be a meniscus tear? 

By paying attention to the symptoms and getting help early, you can avoid long-term issues and get back to your daily activities without unnecessary pain. Schedule your consultation with us today at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare if you suspect a meniscus tear.