Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)

Symptoms of a meniscus tear

A meniscus tear usually happens when you twist your knee while playing sport. But it can also happen from more minor injuries such as twisting when standing up.

Symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

• knee pain or tenderness
• stiffness or swelling around your knee – the swelling may not start for a few hours or days
• difficulty bending, straightening or moving your knee
• your knee giving way when you try to stand
• a crunching or clicking feeling when you move your knee

The symptoms can be similar to sprains.

How to ease symptoms of a meniscus tear

There are some things you can do to ease symptoms of a meniscus tear.

Do

• stop any exercise or activities and rest your knee when you can during the first few days

• put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

• wrap a bandage around your knee or wear a knee support – remove it when you sleep

• keep your leg raised on a pillow as much as possible

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen gel or tablets to ease pain

Don't

• do not use heat packs and avoid hot baths

• do not drink alcohol

• do not massage your knee

• do not carry anything heavy

• do not completely stop moving your knee – after a few days of resting, try to do some gentle movements

A pharmacist can help with a meniscus tear

You can ask a pharmacist about painkillers and the types of knee supports you can get.

When and where to get medical help

Most symptoms of a meniscus tear are not serious, but sometimes you may need medical help.

See a GP if:

• knee pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep
• the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
• your symptoms have not improved after treating it at home
• your knee is stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up

Information:

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Get an urgent GP appointment or help from NHS 111 if:

• you have very bad knee pain after a fall or injury
• you're unable to walk or put weight on your knee
• the skin around your knee is swollen and feels hot
• you have knee pain and a high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
• you cannot bend or straighten your leg

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Go to A&E if:

• your knee has moved out of place, changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle
• you have any tingling or you have no feeling in your knee, leg or toes

Find your nearest A&E

Treatments for a meniscus tear

A meniscus tear can get better on its own without treatment, but it can take a while to heal.

Sometimes, physiotherapy may be recommended to help reduce pain and improve movement and strength in the knee.

If the damage is severe, you may need arthroscopy surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.

Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)

Symptoms

Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)

Self-care

Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)

Medical help

Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)

Medical treatments

Symptoms of a meniscus tear include knee pain, stiffness or swelling around the knee, or difficulty moving or putting weight on the knee.

You can ease symptoms of a meniscus tear by resting and icing your knee, wearing a bandage or knee support, and keeping your leg raised on a pillow.

Symptoms of a meniscus tear are not usually serious, but there are times when you may need to get medical help.

A meniscus tear can get better on its own over time, but physiotherapy may be recommended. If the damage is severe, you may need surgery.