A torn meniscus is a common injury that affects the knee. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) in the knee joint. A tear in the meniscus can occur from sudden twisting or pivoting movements, or from wear and tear over time.

Symptoms of a torn meniscus can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee. You may also hear a popping or clicking sound when you move your knee. In some cases, a torn meniscus can cause your knee to lock or give way.

Treatment for a torn meniscus depends on the severity of the injury. Mild to moderate tears may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Severe tears may require surgery to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.

If you suspect that you have a torn meniscus, it is important to see a doctor or orthopedic specialist for an evaluation. They can diagnose the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the tear and your overall health and lifestyle.

A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting something heavy can sometimes lead to a torn meniscus.

In older adults, degenerative changes of the knee can contribute to a torn meniscus with little or no trauma.

Treatment for a torn meniscus often begins conservatively, depending on the type, size and location of your tear.

Tears associated with arthritis often improve over time with treatment of the arthritis, so surgery usually isn't indicated. Many other tears that aren't associated with locking or a block to knee motion will become less painful over time, so they also don't require surgery.

Your doctor might recommend:

• Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee. If your pain is severe, using crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing.
• Ice. Ice can reduce knee pain and swelling. Use a cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables or a towel filled with ice cubes for about 15 minutes at a time, keeping your knee elevated. Do this every 4 to 6 hours the first day or two, and then as often as needed.
• Medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers also can help ease knee pain.

Therapy

Physical therapy can help you strengthen the muscles around your knee and in your legs to help stabilize and support the knee joint.

Surgery

If your knee remains painful despite rehabilitative therapy or if your knee locks, your doctor might recommend surgery. It's sometimes possible to repair a torn meniscus, especially in children and younger adults.

If the tear can't be repaired, the meniscus might be surgically trimmed, possibly through tiny incisions using an arthroscope. After surgery, you will need to do exercises to increase and maintain knee strength and stability.

If you have advanced, degenerative arthritis, your doctor might recommend a knee replacement. For younger people who have signs and symptoms after surgery but no advanced arthritis, a meniscus transplant might be appropriate. The surgery involves transplanting a meniscus from a cadaver.