Ask a Doctor: Your Questions About Meniscus Tears Answered

Sylvester Youlo, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS, an orthopedic surgeon at Phelps Health talks about meniscus tears, symptoms of a tear and treatment options.

What is the meniscus?

Your thigh bone sits on top of your shinbone, and the end of these bones are covered with a layer of tissue called cartilage. The meniscus is a pad of cartilage that sits between the two bones. The meniscus serves as a shock absorber and protects the end of these bones when you walk.

What are symptoms of a torn meniscus?

People with meniscus tears have different symptoms, but the most common is pain. Some people say they feel like something is stuck in their knee. Others say their knee is locked or catching, and they can’t move it. Older patients may describe the pain as constant, dull and aching. Another symptom people may experience is pain when twisting or turning their knee. If the meniscus tear is not locking your knee, you can still walk.

What are the different types of meniscus tears?

The two kinds of meniscus tears are traumatic meniscus tears, which can happen during sports and similar activities, and degenerative meniscus tears, which happen over time. A teenager who plays football with a meniscus tear needs to be treated differently than a 40-year-old man who went to the store and twisted his knee.

How are meniscus tears treated?

Sports-related meniscus tears can be repaired, especially in young, healthy people who have normal cartilage. For older patients with degenerative meniscus tears, treatments may include medication (such as NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen), activity modifications, or ice and rest. People who feel their knee continue to lock or catch may end up needing surgery, but a meniscus tear doesn’t always require surgery.