Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)
Overview
A meniscus tear is a common type of damage to cartilage in the knee. The cartilage is found between the bones in the knee joint and protects them when you move. It usually gets damaged because of an injury.
Symptoms
A meniscus tear usually happens when you twist your knee while playing sport. But it can also happen from more minor injuries such as twisting when standing up. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include: knee painor tendernessstiffness or swelling around your knee – the swelling may not start for a few hours or daysdifficulty bending, straightening or moving your kneeyour knee giving way when you try to standa crunching or clicking feeling when you move your knee The symptoms can be similar tosprains. There are some things you can do to ease symptoms of a meniscus tear. stop any exercise or activities and rest your knee when you can during the first few days stop any exercise or activities and rest your knee when you can during the first few days put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your knee for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours wrap a bandage around your knee or wear a knee support – remove it when you sleep wrap a bandage around your knee or wear a knee support – remove it when you sleep keep your leg raised on a pillow as much as possible keep your leg raised on a pillow as much as possible takeparacetamolto ease pain takeparacetamolto ease pain do not use heat packs and avoid hot baths do not use heat packs and avoid hot baths do not drink alcohol do not drink alcohol do not massage your knee do not massage your knee do not carry anything heavy do not carry anything heavy do not completely stop moving your knee – after a few days of resting, try to do some gentle movements do not completely stop moving your knee – after a few days of resting, try to do some gentle movements
Treatment
A meniscus tear can get better on its own without treatment, but it can take a while to heal. Sometimes,physiotherapymay be recommended to help reduce pain and improve movement and strength in the knee. If the damage is severe, you may needarthroscopysurgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage. If you think you have a meniscus tear, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area: ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgerycheck your GP surgery's websitecontact your local integrated care board (ICB) –find your local ICBsearch online for NHS treatment for meniscus tear near you