Torn meniscus: symptoms, diagnosis and management options
The menisci are two cartilage "cushions" inside the knee that absorb shock and add stability. They can tear with a sudden twist or wear down over the years, and not every injury requires surgery.
Educational information prepared by Dr. Belinda Martínez, physician and surgeon. Last updated: October 3, 2026. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor.
What is the meniscus and how is it injured?
Each knee has a medial and a lateral meniscus, between the femur and the tibia. They distribute load and protect the cartilage. They are injured in two ways:
- Traumatic injury: from a twist with the foot planted, a deep squat or a blow; more common in young people and athletes.
- Degenerative injury: the meniscus weakens with age and can tear with an everyday movement; it is common in people over 40 or 50 and often coexists with osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of a torn meniscus
- Pain along the joint line, on the inner or outer side of the knee.
- Swelling that appears a few hours later or the next day.
- Clicking, a feeling that "something catches".
- Locking: the knee does not straighten fully.
- Pain when twisting, squatting or climbing stairs.
How it is diagnosed
The exam includes maneuvers that reproduce the pain when twisting the knee. MRI is the test that best shows the meniscus. In older people, an MRI may show meniscus wear that is not the real cause of the pain, so findings are interpreted together with the symptoms.
Is surgery always needed?
No. Many injuries, especially degenerative and small ones, improve with conservative management: relative rest, physical therapy and strengthening, and medications prescribed by the doctor. Surgery is considered when there is mechanical locking, instability or pain that does not improve after a period of conservative treatment. It may mean repairing the meniscus (suturing) or removing the damaged part (partial meniscectomy); the surgeon chooses based on the type of tear and the patient's age.
Preserving the meniscus whenever possible is important, because it protects the cartilage in the long term.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care soon if you have any of these signs:
- The knee locks and you cannot straighten it.
- Rapid swelling after an injury.
- A feeling of instability or that the knee gives way.
Frequently asked questions
Does a torn meniscus heal on its own?
It depends on where and how it tore. Some small tears or tears in areas with good blood supply can improve with rest and rehabilitation; others do not heal on their own. The specialist who assesses you will tell you which applies to your case.
How long does recovery take?
It varies with the management. With conservative treatment, many people notice improvement within weeks. After surgery, recovery ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on the procedure.
Can I exercise with an injured meniscus?
Low-impact activities are recommended, avoiding twisting and deep squats until the doctor says otherwise.
Book your free assessment
Dr. Belinda Martínez reviews your case at her office in Guadalajara. The assessment is free of charge and does not commit you to any treatment.
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This content is informational and educational; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. If you have any symptoms, consult a health professional.