Learn what the meniscus does, common symptoms of a meniscus tear, when surgery may be recommended, and how a meniscus repair procedure works.
Ever Wondered What a Meniscus Tear Looks Like?
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, especially during activities that involve twisting, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction.
The meniscus plays an important role in how the knee moves, absorbs force, and stays stable. When it becomes torn, even simple activities like walking, squatting, stairs, or sports can become painful and frustrating.
Understanding what the meniscus does and how a meniscus repair works can help make the recovery process feel a little less overwhelming.
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
Each knee has two menisci that help:
• absorb shock through the knee joint
• distribute load more evenly
• improve joint stability
• support smoother knee movement
Because the meniscus helps protect the knee during movement, an injury to this structure can have a big impact on comfort and function.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear commonly happens when the knee twists, pivots, or rotates suddenly, especially when the foot is planted.
This type of injury may happen during sports, exercise, lifting, awkward movements, or even everyday activities depending on the condition of the knee.
In some cases, the meniscus can also become more vulnerable to injury over time due to age-related wear and degeneration.
Common Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Depending on the location and severity of the tear, symptoms may include:
• knee pain
• swelling
• locking or catching in the knee
• difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• a feeling that the knee may give way
• discomfort during squatting, walking, or stairs
Some people are able to continue moving after the injury, while others notice symptoms immediately.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Not every meniscus tear requires surgery.
Some meniscus injuries may improve with conservative management such as physiotherapy, activity modification, strengthening, and guided rehabilitation.
However, surgery may be recommended if symptoms continue to persist, especially if the knee is locking, catching, giving way, or not improving with conservative treatment.
The decision depends on factors such as the type of tear, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s activity level, and overall knee health.
How Does a Meniscus Repair Work?
A meniscus repair is typically performed arthroscopically using small incisions around the knee.
During the procedure, a sterile saline solution is used to fill and rinse the joint so the surgeon can clearly see the internal structures of the knee.
Once the torn area is identified, stitches are placed arthroscopically to help hold the torn meniscus together so it can heal.
After the repair is completed, the fluid is drained and the small incisions are closed.
The goal of the procedure is to preserve the meniscus whenever possible and support healing of the damaged tissue.
Final Thoughts
A meniscus tear can affect how your knee feels during everything from walking and stairs to exercise and sports.
Because the meniscus plays such an important role in shock absorption, stability, and knee function, addressing the injury properly is important for both recovery and long-term movement.
Whether treatment involves rehabilitation, activity modification, or surgery, understanding the injury can make the process feel less intimidating.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Knee Function
If knee pain, swelling, locking, or instability is affecting your daily activities, a professional assessment can help identify what may be contributing to the problem.
Pain Free Health Clinic provides physiotherapy, rehabilitation, movement assessment, post-surgical recovery, and recovery-focused care in:
📍 Richmond
📍 Ladner
📍 Surrey
📍 Langley
Watch a Meniscus Repair in Action
Want to see what a meniscus tear and meniscus repair actually look like?
Watch the video above for a simple visual breakdown of this common knee injury and how arthroscopic repair may help support healing.
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