A sudden twist while playing sport, stepping awkwardly or even changing direction quickly can make your knee hurt. But what if the problem is not simply a pulled muscle? Deep inside the knee sits a small, C-shaped piece of cartilage called the meniscus, which helps absorb load and contributes to knee stability.
A sudden twisting movement can sometimes damage this structure, leading to what is known as a meniscus injury.
Key Takeaways
- A meniscus injury can happen during sports, a fall or a sudden twisting movement.
- Pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or difficulty straightening the knee can occur.
- Not every knee injury needs surgery; the appropriate approach depends on the injury and individual circumstances.
- Persistent knee symptoms after a twist or impact should be assessed rather than ignored.
What Exactly Is the Meniscus and Why Does It Matter?
Think of the meniscus as a natural cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone. Each knee has two menisci, which help distribute forces through the joint during everyday movements. They also play a role in knee stability and movement.
Because the meniscus is involved whenever you walk, squat, turn or climb stairs, an injury can sometimes become noticeable during surprisingly ordinary activities.
How Can One Awkward Twist Cause a Meniscus Injury?
You do not necessarily need a major accident to injure the meniscus. A meniscus injury may occur when the knee twists while the foot remains planted on the ground. This can happen during activities such as,
- Turning quickly while playing football, basketball or other sports
- Squatting or lifting while twisting the knee
- Landing awkwardly after a jump
- Falling or changing direction suddenly
- Sustaining a direct impact to the knee
For younger or physically active people, sudden twisting injuries are a common mechanism. With age, changes in the knee can also make the meniscus more susceptible to injury, sometimes following a relatively minor movement.
What Does a Damaged Meniscus Actually Feel Like?
The symptoms can vary depending on the type and extent of the injury. You may notice,
- Pain around the knee, particularly with twisting or squatting
- Swelling or stiffness
- Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
- A clicking, catching or locking sensation
- A feeling that the knee may give way
- Tenderness around the joint line
Interestingly, pain is not always immediate. Some people may continue with their normal activities before swelling or discomfort becomes more noticeable.
Do I Need to Worry If My Knee Is Still Usable?
Being able to walk does not necessarily mean the knee has not been injured. Some meniscus injuries cause relatively mild symptoms, while others can interfere significantly with movement. The symptoms can also overlap with other knee conditions, so discomfort alone cannot confirm a meniscus injury.
If knee pain, swelling, catching or restricted movement continues after an injury, a medical assessment can help determine what may be causing the symptoms.
Depending on the situation, assessment may include a physical examination and, where clinically appropriate, imaging such as an MRI.
Does Every Meniscus Injury Need Surgery?
Not necessarily. Management depends on factors such as the location and pattern of the tear, symptoms, activity level and overall condition of the knee. Depending on the individual situation, treatment may involve,
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation
- Medication for symptom relief where appropriate
- Monitoring over time
- Surgical treatment in selected cases
The appropriate approach can only be determined after assessing the individual injury and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a meniscus injury heal on its own?
Some meniscus injuries may be managed without surgery, depending on their location, severity and symptoms. The meniscus has areas with different blood supplies, which can influence its ability to heal.
Can I walk with a meniscus injury?
Yes. Some people can walk despite having a meniscus injury. However, persistent pain, swelling, catching or restricted movement should not be dismissed simply because walking is possible.
Is swelling always present with a meniscus injury?
No. Swelling can occur, but its presence and severity can vary. Other symptoms, such as joint-line pain, clicking or difficulty moving the knee, may also occur.
How is a meniscus injury diagnosed?
A doctor may assess your symptoms, medical history and knee movement during a physical examination. Imaging may be considered when clinically appropriate.
When should I see a doctor for knee pain after a twist?
Consider medical assessment if pain or swelling persists, the knee repeatedly catches or locks, movement becomes restricted, or symptoms interfere with your usual activities.
When Should You Get Your Knee Checked?
A twisted knee may seem like something that will simply settle with time. But persistent symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying injury that needs assessment.
If you are experiencing ongoing knee pain, swelling, locking or restricted movement after a twisting incident, you can discuss your symptoms with Dr Lee Eu Jin at the Liberty Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore. A consultation can help assess the cause of your symptoms and determine whether further evaluation or management may be appropriate.
