How does torn meniscus feel

Additionally, older adults naturally have an increased risk of knee injuries including a torn meniscus due to age-related knee changes and degeneration. When this happens, there is often no direct incident that causes the damage. Anyone with a previous knee injury may also be at higher risk for a meniscus tear that happens simultaneously due to the trauma that caused the other injury.

Knee pain is the most obvious symptom. Some people may even feel a popping sensation at the time of injury. Common symptoms of a torn meniscus include:. Many people with a torn meniscus can still walk with the injury. Some athletes may even continue to play their sport with the injury, especially immediately after the incident as it may take several days for the stiffness and swelling to develop fully.

If activity continues for too long, a piece of the meniscus may break off and drift into the joint causing more severe symptoms, including:. While some people continue to walk or play sports with a torn meniscus, getting the injury correctly diagnosed is crucial to proper treatment and recovery. The doctor will then examine the knee to check for swelling and tenderness along the joint line.

During this examination, a doctor may perform the McMurray test. While doing so, the doctor will listen for a clicking sound that indicates a meniscus tear. Because many other knee problems mimic a torn meniscus, a doctor will likely order imaging tests, such as an MRI , to see if there is any damage to the cartilage or any other soft tissues. Though an X-ray will not show a torn meniscus, a doctor may still choose to do one to be sure there are no injuries to the surrounding bones or to rule out another condition, such as osteoarthritis.

People with a torn meniscus have several treatment options. Treatment for a torn meniscus includes the following:. A torn meniscus causes pain, swelling and stiffness. You also might feel a block to knee motion and have trouble extending your knee fully. Conservative treatment — such as rest, ice and medication — is sometimes enough to relieve the pain of a torn meniscus and give the injury time to heal on its own. In other cases, however, a torn meniscus requires surgical repair.

Contact your doctor if your knee is painful or swollen, or if you can't move your knee in the usual ways. A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. Even kneeling, deep squatting or lifting something heavy can sometimes lead to a torn meniscus.

In older adults, degenerative changes of the knee can contribute to a torn meniscus with little or no trauma. Take anti-inflammatory medications. However, these drugs can have side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be only used occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise. Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee. Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist for guidance. Avoid impact activities such as running and jumping.

You feel no pain in your knee when you walk, jog, sprint, or jump. Your knee is no longer swollen. Your injured knee is as strong as your uninjured knee. You should: Keep your thigh muscles strong with regular exercises. Warm up with light activities before taking part Give your body time to rest between workouts. Fatigued muscles can increase your risk of injury. Make sure your shoes have enough support and fit correctly.

Maintain flexibility. Never abruptly increase the intensity of your workout. However, there are various forms of meniscus tears, and some tears will not recover without treatment. If the tear is on the outer third of the meniscus, it can heal on its own or require surgery to repair. People are normally in pain, but they are still able to walk. Swelling can also happen, and it can get worse over time. You can also notice that your knee is stiffening. Meniscus tear symptoms include pain, particularly when the area is rubbed.

The frayed edge of an untreated meniscus tear may get stuck in the joints, causing pain and swelling. It can also lead to long-term knee issues like arthritis. Your knee is pain-free when completely bent and straightened.