The meniscus is crescent-shaped cartilage that is located inside the knee joint to help shock absorption and reduce friction during movement in the knee – we have two menisci in each knee.
causes of meniscus injury
1. From traumatic incidents such as forcefully twisting or rotating your knee while your foot is planted on the ground, especially if you have your full weight on your leg, for example during a sudden change in direction when running; or
2. From degenerative changes due to aging and certain risk factors.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear
- A locking or clicking sensation in the knee
- Pain within the knee joint, especially during twisting movements and when bending the knee fully
- Swelling or stiffness
- Difficulty straightening the knee
- Feeling of tightness and difficulty bending the knee fully
Evidence has shown that non-surgical treatment, with exercise as the core component, for degenerative meniscus tears is effective in reducing pain and improving function (Sherman et al. 2020). Whilst majority of the literature on knee rehabilitation is derived from ACL research, rehabilitation of a meniscus tear is very similar to the rehabilitation of an ACL tear or reconstruction, with the greatest differentiation being the consideration of compressive loading and range of motion in the knee. Meniscus tear type and severity will help to determine the speed of rehabilitation progression, with simple tears recovering faster compared to complex tears that can take more than 6 months for return to sports.
four phases of rehabilitation
- Phase 1 – Pain control, reduction of swelling, regain full range in the knee joint, reactivate quadriceps muscles.
- Phase 2 – Restoration of >70% strength in the hamstring and quadriceps muscles, bodyweight squat to 75 degrees without pain, climb stairs without pain, able to balance on affected leg for >30 seconds
- Phase 4 – Return to sport and >90% strength of affected leg restored.
who to see
Physiotherapists are well-trained in injury management and are heavily involved in rehabilitating knee injuries. To see a physiotherapist for an assessment and treatment if you have any concerns regarding your knee.
Article References
Reviewed by Kieran Doyle
APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist APAM MACP,
MMuscPhysio, GradCertMuscPhysio,
MPhty, BAppSc(Ex&SpSc)
Head of Clincal Development (Physical Rehabilitation)
With over 18 years of experience across Australia and the United Kingdom, Kieran is an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, a qualification held by fewer than 1 in 10 physios, with a background spanning elite sport, disability, and general musculoskeletal rehabilitation..
