Is your knee painful, swollen, or catching when you move?
A meniscus injury may be the reason, especially if symptoms started after a twisting movement, sports injury, or sudden change in direction.
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). It acts as a cushion inside the knee, helping absorb shock, distribute weight, and support smooth movement. When the meniscus is torn, the knee may become painful, swollen, stiff, or difficult to move normally.
Meniscus injuries can happen suddenly during twisting or pivoting movements, especially during sport, or develop more gradually due to age-related wear and tear.
At Mubadala Health Dubai, our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for meniscus injuries, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and advanced arthroscopic surgery when needed.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Injury
A meniscus tear may occur during sport, exercise, or everyday movement, particularly when the knee twists while the foot is planted.
Common symptoms include:
• Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Catching, clicking, or locking of the knee joint
• A feeling that the knee may give way
• Pain during squatting, twisting, or walking
• Difficulty returning to sports or physical activity
Meniscus injuries are commonly associated with sports such as football, basketball, tennis, skiing, and padel, but they can also happen during routine activities.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the type, size, and location of the meniscus tear, as well as whether other structures in the knee have also been affected.
At Mubadala Health Dubai, evaluation may include:
• Detailed medical history and review of how symptoms began
• Physical examination to assess pain, swelling, movement, and joint stability
• Specific knee tests to check for signs of meniscus injury
• MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis and assess the tear pattern
• Evaluation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), cartilage, and other knee ligaments
This helps our specialists determine whether the injury may heal with conservative treatment or whether surgery may be needed.
Treatment Options for Meniscus Injuries
Treatment depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tear, symptom severity, age, activity level, and overall knee health.
Many small or stable meniscus tears can be treated without surgery.
Non-surgical treatment may include:
• Rest and activity modification
• Pain management when appropriate
• Physiotherapy to restore movement and strength
• Exercises to support the muscles around the knee
• Gradual return to activity or sport
The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and support the knee’s natural healing where possible.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be recommended for larger, unstable, or persistent meniscus tears, especially when symptoms include locking, catching, repeated swelling, or ongoing pain despite rehabilitation.
Meniscus surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a tiny camera to treat the injury inside the joint.
Where possible, the surgeon may repair the meniscus to preserve its natural function. If repair is not possible, only the damaged portion of the cartilage is carefully removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery depends on the type of meniscus injury and the treatment approach used.
Rehabilitation may focus on:
• Reducing pain and swelling
• Restoring knee range of motion
• Rebuilding strength
• Improving balance and control
• Supporting safe walking, squatting, and twisting movements
• Preparing for a gradual return to sport or physical activity
Recovery after meniscus repair may take longer than recovery after removal of the damaged portion, as the repaired tissue needs time to heal. Your care team will guide your rehabilitation based on your procedure, symptoms, and activity goals.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Leaving a meniscus injury untreated can lead to ongoing pain, recurrent swelling, reduced mobility, and further damage within the knee joint.
Early assessment helps protect the knee, guide the right treatment plan, and reduce the risk of cartilage damage or early joint wear over time.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should consider seeing an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if you experience:
• Knee pain after a twisting injury
• Swelling or stiffness that does not improve
• Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Pain when squatting, walking, or climbing stairs
• A feeling that the knee is unstable
• Symptoms that affect daily activities, exercise, or sport
Early diagnosis can help prevent further injury and support a safer recovery.
Yes. Some small or stable meniscus tears can improve with rest, physiotherapy, and activity modification. Your specialist will assess the type and location of the tear to determine whether non-surgical treatment is suitable.
Common signs include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, locking, clicking, and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee. An MRI is often used to confirm the diagnosis.
Recovery varies depending on whether the meniscus is repaired or whether only the damaged portion is removed. Many patients return to daily activities within a few weeks, while return to sport may take several months, especially after a meniscus repair.
Many people can walk with a meniscus tear, but it may be painful or uncomfortable. Continuing high-impact or twisting activities without proper assessment may worsen symptoms or increase the risk of further damage.
Meniscus repair is preferred when the tear pattern, location, and tissue quality make healing possible. Preserving the meniscus can help protect long-term knee function.
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