Overview
Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. Because you use it so much, it is vulnerable to injury. Because it is made up of so many parts, many different things can go wrong. Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscal tears. However, anyone at any age can tear a meniscus. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus.
Causes
Often occur doing sports
Twisting of the knee
Direct contact (e.g. a tackle)
Aged tissue
Symptoms
“Popping” sensation
Stiffness and swelling
Pain
Catching or locking of the knee
Sensation of the knee “giving way”
Reduced range of motion
Diagnosis
Physical examination and medical history consultation
X-rays
MRI
Treatment
Surgery
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy