Meniscus Injury

Each knee contains two menisci—smooth, rubbery pads of cartilage that sit between your thigh bone and shin bone. The medial meniscus lies on the inner side of the knee, while the lateral meniscus is on the outer side. These structures act as shock absorbers and help guide smooth knee movement during walking, squatting, and twisting activities.

In children and adolescents, meniscus injuries most often occur after a forceful twisting injury, such as during sports. As we age, the meniscus becomes less resilient, and degenerative tears become more common, sometimes developing after seemingly minor or unrecognized movements. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the injury and may include knee pain that worsens with movement, discomfort with deep squatting, swelling, or sensations of clicking, catching, locking, or giving way.

While surgical repair may be required for some acute meniscal tears in younger individuals, most meniscus injuries in adults respond well to conservative care. Temporary activity modification may be recommended to prevent further irritation, particularly avoiding twisting on a bent, weight-bearing knee. Low-impact alternatives, such as water walking, may be used while symptoms settle, and strength and control are restored.

Understanding Meniscus Injuries

When knee pain makes movement feel uncertain

Meniscus injuries are a common source of knee pain and instability and can affect people of all ages. Some injuries happen suddenly during sports, while others develop gradually over time. Many patients feel unsure whether their knee symptoms are serious or whether surgery is inevitable.

At Trenton Integrative Health Centre, we focus on helping patients understand their diagnosis, reduce fear, and explore conservative options whenever appropriate.

What Is a Meniscus Injury?

The menisci are two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage that sit inside each knee joint. They help distribute load, absorb shock, and guide the movement of the thigh bone over the shin bone. When a meniscus is injured, these functions can be disrupted, leading to pain, swelling, and altered knee mechanics.

Meniscus injuries may be:

• Traumatic, often caused by twisting injuries in sports
• Degenerative, developing gradually as the cartilage weakens with age

Not all meniscus tears cause symptoms, and many are discovered incidentally on imaging.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type and size of the tear but may include:

• Knee pain that worsens with movement
• Discomfort or difficulty with deep squatting
• Swelling or stiffness
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
• A feeling that the knee may give way

Some people notice symptoms only during certain activities, while others feel discomfort during everyday movements.

Why Do Meniscus Injuries Occur?

Meniscus injuries can develop for several reasons, including:

• Forceful twisting on a bent knee
• Sudden changes in direction during sport
• Repetitive loading over time
• Age-related changes that reduce cartilage resilience

In adults, degenerative meniscus tears often occur without a single identifiable injury and may be part of broader knee changes.

How Meniscus Injuries Are Managed at TIHC

At Trenton Integrative Health Centre, care begins with a thorough assessment of how your knee moves and functions in daily life. Most meniscus injuries—particularly in adults—respond well to conservative care.

Management may include:

• Education around activity modification to reduce irritation
• Hands-on therapies to improve knee movement and reduce strain
• Strengthening and control exercises for the knee and surrounding muscles
• Guidance on returning to activity safely and gradually

Surgery is not required for most adult meniscus injuries, and conservative care is often the preferred first step.

Supporting Your Recovery

You may be advised to:

• Temporarily avoid activities that involve twisting on a bent, weight-bearing knee
• Limit deep squatting or pivoting movements during early recovery
• Crosstrain with low-impact options such as water walking or cycling
• Perform prescribed exercises consistently to restore strength and stability

These strategies help protect the knee while supporting long-term function.

What to Expect

Many people with meniscus injuries are able to return to daily activities and recreational pursuits with less pain and greater confidence through conservative care. Improvement often happens gradually as knee mechanics and strength improve.