From the Guidelines
Symptoms of a meniscus tear typically include pain in the knee joint, swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, and a feeling that your knee is locked or catching when you move it, as reported in the most recent study 1. These symptoms can vary depending on the size, location, and type of tear. Some people may experience a popping sensation at the time of injury, while others may report feeling like their knee is giving way or is unstable. The pain often worsens when twisting or rotating your knee, squatting, or bearing weight on the affected leg.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the knee joint
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Feeling of the knee being locked or catching when moving
- Popping sensation at the time of injury
- Feeling of the knee giving way or being unstable
According to the study 1, meniscus tears in patients with knee osteoarthritis are a particularly challenging clinical complication, and the symptoms can be similar to those of osteoarthritis. However, a small number of truly obstructing displaced meniscus tears can be a primary cause of predominantly mechanical symptoms and warrant treatment.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
If you experience these symptoms, especially after a twisting injury or fall, you should seek medical evaluation as proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage to the knee joint, as suggested by the study 1. The study also highlights the importance of considering the size, location, and type of tear when evaluating symptoms and determining the best course of treatment.
The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the best evidence for the symptoms of a meniscus tear, and its findings should be prioritized when making a diagnosis or determining treatment.
From the Research
Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear
The symptoms of a meniscal tear can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Knee pain, particularly with twisting or rotating movements 2
- Limited range of motion (ROM) of the knee 3
- Joint line tenderness, which can be diagnosed using the McMurray test 2
- Mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching, especially in severe traumatic tears 2, 4
- Anterior knee pain during a squat, which can be indicative of patellofemoral pain, but may also be present in meniscal tears 2
Diagnosis of Meniscal Tears
Diagnosis of meniscal tears can be made using a combination of:
- Clinical evaluation, including the McMurray test and joint line tenderness 2
- Radiographic imaging, such as MRI, although this is not always necessary and should be determined by a musculoskeletal specialist 5
- Arthroscopy, which can be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the tear 5, 6
Types of Meniscal Tears
There are different types of meniscal tears, including:
- Traumatic meniscal tears, which occur as a result of acute trauma, such as a twisting injury 5
- Degenerative meniscal tears, which are a normal part of aging and are often associated with knee osteoarthritis 4
- Complex tears, which can involve significant fraying and other tear patterns, such as horizontal cleavage, vertical, longitudinal, and flap tears 4