A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries in sports medicine. It can happen during a quick pivot on the basketball court, a sudden twist while skiing, or even a deep squat at the gym. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint and helps distribute weight. When it tears, the knee often loses some of the smooth, stable movement you normally expect.
Common Causes of a Meniscus Tear
Most tears occur during activities that involve cutting, twisting, or fast changes in direction. Soccer, basketball, tennis, and football players see these injuries often. A tear can also happen from a simple misstep where the foot stays planted but the upper body turns.
Not all tears come from a dramatic moment. As the meniscus ages, it weakens and becomes easier to injure. In those cases, normal movements like crouching or lifting something heavy can cause a tear. These injuries may start small and worsen over time.
Symptoms to Watch For
A meniscus tear does not always feel severe in the first moment. Some people can still walk on the knee right after it happens. Still, certain signs should raise concern:
- A popping feeling or sound at the time of injury
- Pain along the joint line
- Swelling that increases over the first day
- Catching or locking in the knee
- Trouble bending or straightening the knee
- A sense that the knee may give out
If you notice several of these, especially after twisting the knee, there is a strong chance the meniscus may be involved.
Why You Should Seek Prompt Medical Care
Meniscus repairs have the best chance of success when performed soon after the injury. The torn edges are fresher and more likely to heal when brought back together. Waiting too long allows the tear to spread or fray, which lowers the likelihood of a simple repair. Early care also reduces swelling and helps prevent further damage to surrounding structures.
Seeing a sports medicine specialist matters because the knee is a complex joint. A specialist can perform targeted exams, review imaging, and identify the exact type of tear. Some tears are stable and may improve with guided rest and therapy. Others require surgical treatment to restore normal function and protect long-term knee health.
When Repair Is Not Possible
Many meniscus tears cannot be repaired due to their location or pattern. The meniscus has areas with strong blood supply and areas with very little. Tears in regions without good blood flow often won’t heal even if stitched together. In these cases, reattachment or removal of damaged tissue may be the best option.
For patients who have lost a significant amount of meniscal tissue, a meniscal transplant may be recommended. This procedure uses donor tissue to restore cushioning inside the knee. It is often considered for active individuals who want to return to higher levels of activity or who face a higher risk of early arthritis without a functional meniscus.
Expert Evaluation in NYC and Miami Beach
Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for meniscus injuries at locations in New York City and Miami Beach. If you think you may have torn your meniscus, early evaluation can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and long-term knee health.
If you’re dealing with knee pain, catching, swelling, or a recent twisting injury, don’t wait to get answers. Early assessment can make the difference between a simple repair and a more complex procedure later on. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD, and his team welcome patients for orthopedic and sports medicine care in a concierge medicine environment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a clear plan for protecting your knee and returning to the activities you enjoy.
