Meniscus Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Meniscus Injuries?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems, usually treats meniscus injuries. A sports medicine doctor, who cares for athletes and active people, may also help. A physical therapist, a rehab exercise expert, often helps with recovery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are meniscus injuries?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee joint. Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue.
Each knee has two menisci. They are rubbery disks that cushion the bones and help the knee stay stable.
A meniscus injury is a tear in this cushion. It can limit how well you can bend and straighten the knee.
Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, and athletes in contact sports are at risk.
However, anyone at any age can tear the meniscus.
Symptoms
A meniscus injury can cause:
- Knee pain, especially inside the joint and when walking.
- Swelling that shows up the next day after the injury or after activity.
- Stiffness.
- A knee that catches or locks.
- A feeling that the knee is giving way.
- Trouble moving the knee through its full range of motion.
You might feel a pop at the time of the injury. Many athletes are able to keep playing with a tear, but the knee slowly gets stiffer and more swollen over 2 to 3 days.
Causes and who gets it
A meniscus can be hurt in a sudden injury or wear down over time.
Sudden injuries can happen if you:
- Twist or over-bend your knee.
- Stop quickly and change direction while running, landing from a jump, or turning.
- Squat down low and lift something heavy.
- Get hit on the knee, such as in a football tackle.
- Tear a knee ligament, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
As people get older, the meniscus becomes more brittle and easier to tear. Even an awkward twist when getting up from a chair may be enough.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and then examine your knee.
One main exam is the McMurray test. The doctor bends your knee, then straightens and rotates it. A torn meniscus may cause pain, clicking, or a clunking feeling.
Your provider may order X-rays and an MRI. An MRI is a scan that shows soft tissue.
X-rays check the bones for damage and look for arthritis.
An X-ray will not show a meniscus tear itself.
The MRI can show whether the tissues in the knee have been stretched or torn.
Treatment
Treatment may depend on your age, activity level, and where the tear is.
Mild tears may be treated with rest and self-care.
Treatment can include:
- RICE: rest, ice for 20 minutes at a time, compression with an elastic bandage, and raising the leg above the heart.
- Crutches until swelling and pain get better.
- A brace to support and stabilize the knee.
- Pain medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Talk with your provider first if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or past internal bleeding.
- Physical therapy to improve joint motion and leg strength.
- A steroid injection into the knee to ease pain and swelling.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are still being studied.
If symptoms last with other treatment, your doctor may suggest arthroscopic surgery. A surgeon puts a tiny camera and tools through small cuts to trim or repair the tear.
Surgery can trim the damaged tissue or stitch the torn pieces together. Repair takes longer to heal than trimming.
A meniscus transplant may be needed if all or nearly all of the meniscus is torn or removed.
Physical therapy after surgery is important for a good recovery.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have more swelling or pain, or if self-care does not help.
Also contact your provider if your knee locks and you can't straighten it, or if it feels more unstable.
After surgery, contact your surgeon about a fever or drainage from the cuts.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can examine your knee and help arrange imaging tests such as an MRI. They can also coordinate follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist if needed.
Common questions
What does a meniscus injury feel like?
A meniscus injury often feels like knee pain with swelling and stiffness. The knee may also lock, catch, or give way. Some people feel a pop when it happens.
Does an X-ray show a meniscus injury?
No. An X-ray will not show a meniscus tear. It can help find other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis. An MRI looks at soft tissues such as the menisci.
Can a damaged meniscus be replaced?
Sometimes. A meniscus transplant replaces the damaged meniscus with donor tissue. It may be needed when all or nearly all of the meniscus is torn or removed.
Do people return to normal activity after a meniscus injury?
Often, yes. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, patients often return to their pre-injury abilities.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Meniscus Tears
- MedlinePlus - Meniscus tears - aftercare
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
