The knee joint is one of the large and complex structures of the body. With every step taken in daily life, climbing stairs, sitting down and getting up, even during a slight turning motion, the knee area bears a significant load. Two important structures called menisci play a role in balancing this load and allowing stable movement of the knee. Tears in the menisci can cause symptoms that affect pain, movement restrictions, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and correct treatment are important both for maintaining joint health and preventing long-term complications.
What is a Meniscus?
The meniscus is a cartilage-like fibrocartilage structure with a C shape found within the knee joint. There are two menisci in the knee structure:
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Medial meniscus (inner meniscus)
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Lateral meniscus (outer meniscus)
Menisci balance the load between joint surfaces, absorb shocks, ensure joint congruence, and provide stability during knee rotation movements. Therefore, meniscus health is crucial for the overall function of the knee joint. Meniscus tissue can be damaged or torn due to various reasons in both young athletes and older individuals.
What is a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear is an injury that occurs due to damage or disruption of the meniscus tissue, which serves as a shock absorber during load-bearing within the knee joint. Positioned in a C shape between the femur and tibia, the meniscus enables stable knee rotation, equal load distribution, and protection of joint surfaces. Hence, a tear in the meniscus tissue directly affects knee functions, leading to pain, catching, movement restrictions, and distinct discomfort in daily life.
How Does a Meniscus Tear Occur?
A meniscus tear can occur due to sudden trauma or develop over time as the tissue weakens. In younger age groups, tears may occur during sports due to sudden twists, squatting, jumping, or falling onto the knee. Meniscus tears are more common in sports such as football, basketball, and tennis, which require rapid changes in direction.
In older age, the meniscus tissue may lose its elasticity. In this case, even a very small movement can cause a tear. Prolonged kneeling, carrying heavy loads, sudden sitting and rising movements, or struggling on stairs can weaken the meniscus.
What are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear can lead to problems that directly affect a person's daily life. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the tear, its location, and the person's activity level. However, the most common symptoms are as follows:
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Sudden onset of sharp pain in the knee
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Locking and catching sensation in the knee
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Movement restriction
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Pain when walking or climbing stairs
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Swelling and tenderness in the knee
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Feeling of giving way
Symptoms may become more pronounced immediately after trauma or following intense physical activities.
How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?
The diagnosis process initially involves a detailed physical examination. A specialist evaluates knee movements and may perform specific tests for the meniscus tissue. Tests reveal the possible presence of a meniscus tear.
For a definite diagnosis, MRI imaging can be used. MRI clearly shows the structure of the meniscus, the location, and stage of the tear, making it important for treatment planning.
How is a Meniscus Tear Treated?
The treatment of a meniscus tear may vary depending on the individual, the shape and degree of the tear, and the patient's lifestyle. Not every tear requires surgical intervention; many patients can recover with appropriate conservative treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment Methods
If the tear is small, knee stability is not compromised, and it does not cause severe pain, non-surgical approaches may be preferred. The goal in this process is to reduce pain, control inflammation in the joint, and support knee function by strengthening the muscles surrounding the meniscus.
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Rest and limitation of activities: Avoiding movements that overload the knee accelerates the healing process.
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Applying ice: Reduces pain and swelling.
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Anti-inflammatory treatment options: Supplementary treatments may be applied when deemed appropriate by a specialist.
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Physical therapy and exercise program: Quadriceps exercises, hamstring stretching exercises and strengthening the hip muscles reduce the load on the knee.
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Orthopedic support: A brace or supportive taping may be recommended for some patients.
Surgical Treatment (Arthroscopic Intervention)
If the meniscus tear is large, causes locking in the knee, pain is severe, or complaints persist despite conservative treatments, surgical methods are considered.
Arthroscopy is the gold standard in meniscus surgery. A camera and special surgical instruments placed through small incisions repair or clean the torn area if necessary. The recovery process after surgery is quick, and the patient can return to daily life in a short time. Controlled rehabilitation programs are applied to athletes.
How Long Does It Take for a Meniscus Tear to Heal?
While the healing time varies from person to person, the degree of the tear is a determinant in this period.
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Non-surgical treatment: Positive results can usually be obtained within 4–8 weeks.
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Surgical treatment: Significant improvement is achieved within 6–12 weeks after arthroscopic intervention.
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Athletes: For professional athletes, return to the field may take 3–4 months depending on the type of tear.
During this process, a regular physical therapy program is important to regain muscle strength and reduce the load on the meniscus.
What Should Not Be Done by Those with a Meniscus Tear?
Those with a meniscus tear should avoid certain movements. Incorrect movements can increase the tear, cause more damage to the knee, and even lead to the necessity for surgery.
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Sudden twisting and directional changes
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Deep squatting
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Heavy lifting
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Uncontrolled running and jumping
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Rapidly going up and down stairs
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Standing for long periods on hard surfaces
Is It Possible to Prevent a Meniscus Tear?
While a meniscus tear is not completely preventable, the risk can be significantly reduced. Strengthening the muscles around the knee through regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight control, and applying appropriate warm-up and cool-down techniques during sports support meniscus health. Choosing suitable footwear and being aware of the surface can also help reduce risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Some small tears, especially age-related degenerative ones, may cause fewer complaints over time. However, in most cases, the complete healing of the torn tissue is not expected. The treatment process should be planned under expert supervision.
What is good for a meniscus tear?
In the acute phase, rest, ice application, and exercises that reduce the load on the knee are the most effective approaches. If necessary, physical therapy and supportive treatments may be added by a specialist.
When can I walk after meniscus surgery?
After arthroscopic surgery, patients can usually start walking in a controlled manner on the same day or the next day. However, a return to sports activities requires a longer process.
Is a meniscus tear a recurring problem?
While the risk is not completely eliminated, appropriate muscle strengthening programs and joint protection techniques significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
