What is a torn meniscus?
A torn meniscus is an injury to your knee's cartilage, specifically, the C-shaped meniscus that serves as a shock absorber between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).
When you walk or run, the meniscus transfers stress from bone to bone and helps stabilize your knee. A tear in the meniscus may happen due to an injury from playing sports or from natural wear and tear of the tissue that occurs with age. If the meniscus tears, you may develop pain, swelling and feelings of instability.
Anatomy of a knee
The knee is a complex joint consisting of three bones, including the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). Four ligaments connect the femur and tibia. The meniscus is two C-shaped cartilage discs that act as a cushion and shock absorber between the femur and tibia, providing stability to the knee. Unfortunately, as the meniscus does not have a strong blood supply and is not a regenerative structure, if you experience a torn meniscus, it is unlikely to heal on its own and will not regrow over time.
Torn meniscus symptoms
Most symptoms will likely develop in the hours and days after the tear occurs. Signs and symptoms of a torn meniscus may include:
- Knee pain that worsens when you put pressure on the joint or when you walk
- Feeling a pop in the knee
- Mechanical locking and catching, when it feels like something is getting caught or stuck in your knee
- Knee stiffness
- Locking or catching of the knee
- Reduced range of motion in the knee
- Swelling of the knee that usually develops the day after the injury or increases during any activity
- A feeling that the affected knee won’t support you or is unstable
When to see a doctor
If you think you’ve torn your meniscus, you may not need to see a physician right away. A period of rest and caring for your knee at home may help symptoms improve. If torn meniscus symptoms stay the same or get worse after at-home care, you should see an orthopedic sports medicine physician. You should also see a physician if you can’t bend or straighten your knee or if it feels unstable.
What causes a torn meniscus?
A torn meniscus can occur from any activity that forces a sharp twist or rotation of the knee, like sudden stops, turns or pivoting. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting heavy objects can cause a tear.
Meniscus tears can also develop with increased age and with the development of arthritis. As you get older, the meniscus becomes more brittle and loses flexibility, which increases the risk of tearing.
Torn meniscus risk factors
A torn meniscus can happen to anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk. Playing sports, for example, demands a lot of your knees. You’re more likely to tear the meniscus if you play a sport involving running, jumping or quick changes of direction, or contact sports, such as soccer, football or basketball.
Additional risk factors for a meniscus tear include:
- Aging: Decades of use can wear down the meniscus as you get older, leaving it more vulnerable to tearing.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis—the most common type of arthritis—breaks down cartilage over time, putting the meniscus at risk of tearing.
Complications from a torn meniscus
A meniscus tear that doesn’t heal correctly can lead to ongoing knee pain and discomfort. Injuring your meniscus may also accelerate the breakdown of the cartilage in your knee and increase your risk for osteoarthritis in the future.
How is a torn meniscus diagnosed?
Finding relief from knee pain starts with an accurate diagnosis. Your physician may use a variety of methods to determine whether you have a torn meniscus. They’ll start by learning about your medical history and the circumstances of the injury. Then, your physician will examine your knee for signs and symptoms of a meniscus injury. They may also order an imaging test to look inside the knee for meniscus damage or other problems.
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Medical history and exam
First, your physician will discuss your medical history and ask about your injury. They will want to learn when the injury occurred, which symptoms you’re experiencing and when they started, and whether walking or other activities trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
Next, your physician will examine your knee for signs of a torn meniscus. They will look for swelling on each side of the kneecap and check for tenderness. They may also conduct one or two tests of your knee to check its range of motion.
- McMurray test: While you lie on your back, your physician will bend, rotate and straighten your knee. If this test causes pain or clicking, it could be a sign of a torn meniscus.
- Thessaly test: Your physician will support you while you stand only on the affected leg. You’ll twist your knee inward and outward three times. Discomfort or locking of the joint during this test may indicate a meniscus injury.
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Imaging and tests
After learning about the history of the injury and examining your knee, your physician may order imaging tests to see what the meniscus and other parts of the knee look like.
- X-ray: An X-ray is often the first imaging test your provider will use. This evaluates for any indication of arthritis, such as the narrowing of the joint space between the bones, which is a risk factor for the development of meniscus tears.
- MRI scan: If there is no evidence of arthritis on an X-ray and conservative treatments such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and bracing have not improved symptoms, an MRI may be ordered to evaluate the soft tissues in your knee joint, including the meniscus and cartilage surfaces. An MRI is the preferred method to diagnose a meniscus tear.
Torn meniscus treatment
The first step in treating a torn meniscus is trying nonsurgical options. This includes rest, avoiding activities that cause discomfort, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, wearing a brace, and doing at-home physical therapy exercises. If these don’t relieve your symptoms, a pain-relieving injection or outpatient physical therapy may help.
Many meniscus tears heal without surgery, but if pain or discomfort continues, surgery might be necessary. The goal is always to help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
At-home care and lifestyle changes
The best first-line treatment for meniscus tears includes the RICE method.
- Rest: Give your knee a break and stay off it as much as possible. In severe cases, using crutches when you walk can help prevent putting weight on the joint and help with stability.
- Ice: Wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it to your knee for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling. Never apply a cold pack or ice directly to the skin.
- Compression: Keep gentle pressure on your knee by wrapping it in an elastic compression bandage or compressive sleeve to help with swelling and stability
- Elevation: When staying off your knee, use pillows or cushions to raise it above the level of your heart.
Medication
In addition to the RICE method, your physician may recommend taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications help with pain and swelling and can help you have a smoother recovery.
Nonsurgical treatment
In addition to the RICE method and medication, your physician may recommend other nonsurgical treatments, especially if caring for yourself at home isn’t helping the injury as much as you hoped. Other options may include:
- Bracing: Wearing a brace on your knee can provide support and reduce pain.
- Corticosteroid injection: If you’re having a hard time controlling pain, a steroid injection may be utilized to help with swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy for a torn meniscus can help you strengthen the muscles that support your knee, boost the joint’s range of motion and learn exercises you can perform at home to keep your knee healthy.
Surgery
Surgery is usually recommended when pain doesn’t improve with conservative treatments or if symptoms like locking, catching, or difficulty straightening the knee occur, which might mean a displaced meniscus fragment that could worsen if left untreated.
Meniscus surgery is minimally invasive, using small incisions. A camera is inserted to view the joint, and specialized instruments repair or remove the damaged meniscus based on the injury’s severity, location and blood supply. The outpatient procedure allows most people to go home the same day, often bearing weight with crutches for balance.
- Partial meniscectomy: The surgeon will remove the damaged area of the meniscus. This procedure is used when the tear is either degenerative or in an area that does not receive a good blood supply. The goal of this procedure is to remove the torn fragments of the meniscus to prevent further tearing and loss and further damage to the knee. You should be able to put weight on your knee and move it through the full range of motion soon after this procedure.
- Meniscus repair: Instead of removing the injured part of the meniscus, the surgeon can repair the tear. Your recovery time will be longer than with a meniscectomy because the repaired injury has to heal. This recovery is often lengthier, and it involves a brace and crutches for a longer period.
Locations
We offer several locations for your care, including orthopedic specialty centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Austin Oak Hill
5251 US 290 , Austin, TX, 78735- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Buda Medical Center
5330 Overpass Rd Ste 100, Buda, TX, 78610- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - College Station Rock Prairie
800 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Round Rock 300 University
300A University Blvd , Round Rock, TX, 78665- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Greater Dallas Orthopaedics - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 630, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Austin
5245 W US Hwy 290 Service Rd , Austin, TX, 78735
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Brenham
700 Medical Pkwy , Brenham, TX, 77833
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Buda
5330 Overpass Rd , Buda, TX, 78610
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
700 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Grapevine
1650 W College St , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest
100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway
100 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Marble Falls
810 W State Hwy 71 , Marble Falls, TX, 78654
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Pflugerville
2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Ste 100, Pflugerville, TX, 78660
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Taylor
305 Mallard Ln , Taylor, TX, 76574
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple
2401 S 31st St , Temple, TX, 76508
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Dallas
3409 Worth St Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopaedic Trauma Associates - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 220, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas
3900 Junius St Ste 500, Dallas, TX, 75246- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 203, Frisco, TX, 75035- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Flower Mound
1110 Parker Sq , Flower Mound, TX, 75028- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 230, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 300, McKinney, TX, 75071- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 325, Garland, TX, 75044
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300, Park Cities, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd POB II, Ste 600, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Sunnyvale
341 Wheatfield Dr Ste 290, Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 810, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Southwest Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd 2nd Floor, Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Killeen Hemingway
2405 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Specialty Clinic - Lakeway
200 Medical Pkwy , Lakeway, TX, 78738- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports and Orthopedic Center
140 Hillcrest Medical Blvd , Waco, TX, 76712- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Institute - Mansfield
1776 N US 287 Ste 220, Mansfield, TX, 76063- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Institute - Midway Midlothian
4431 E US Hwy 287 , Midlothian, TX, 76065- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Sports Surgery Center at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 410, Frisco, TX, 75034- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Carrollton
4780 N Josey Ln , Carrollton, TX, 75010- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Frequently asked questions
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What does a torn meniscus feel like?
A meniscus tear can be painful, but the pain level varies from person to person. The inside of your knee may hurt as soon as the injury happens or after a day or two. The discomfort may come and go. Your knee may also become swollen, stiff and weak. There may also be mechanical symptoms associated with the locking and catching of the knee.
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What does a torn meniscus look like on the outside?
You can’t always spot a torn meniscus by looking at your knee, even if the joint hurts. One key visible clue, however, is swelling. Swelling on either side of the knee may be a sign of a meniscus tear.
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Can I exercise with a torn meniscus?
The best rule is to listen to your body. If you were able to return to your normal activities with minimal to no pain, it is likely okay to exercise. Sharp, severe pain or worsening swelling may indicate the need to be seen by a doctor for further evaluation.
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Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?
The meniscus does not have a great blood supply and does not regenerate over time. The ability to heal depends on the location of the tear as well as your age and health. In some cases, a small tear of the meniscus may heal on its own and relieve pain. In cases with bigger tears of the meniscus or displaced fragments, surgery for treatment may be the best option.
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How long does a torn meniscus take to heal?
Recovery time depends on the tear type, if you are living with arthritis and your treatment plan. Nonsurgical recovery may take weeks, but further evaluation and surgical interventions may be necessary if there is no improvement. Meniscectomy recovery typically takes 3–6 weeks, while full recovery from a meniscus repair can take 3–6 months.