Torn Meniscus: 14 Most Common Symptoms & Causes

Your menisci are the two pads of cartilage that are found in each knee joint. They live between the two long bones of the leg and have the role of helping to lubricate movement in this area, while also absorbing impact. If you jump down from a height and you don’t see your knees instantly splinter, you can thank your menisci.

Unfortunately, though, the menisci are more prone to injury and slower to recover as compared with the muscle. This means that it’s a fairly common complaint to hear of a torn meniscus, and this is one of the most common ailments that keep athletes out the gym and off the pitch.

In fact, this is also a very common complaint among the general population. Many people will experience a torn meniscus when trying to climb the stairs, or change direction while going for a walk. For these reasons, it’s important to consider the symptoms and causes. This post will help to shine a light on those.

1 Popping Sensation

One of the most serious signs of a torn meniscus but also one of the most commonly reported is a popping sensation. You may be able to hear this sound, or it might simply feel as though your knee cap needs to ‘pop’ into place as it tracks. Either way, this can cause pain and discomfort and may even prevent a full range of motion.

So, what is going on? As it happens, this popping is due to dislodged cartilage that has come loose and is now blocking the usual movement of the knee. If this persists for more than a few days, or if you’re unable to fully bend the knee, then you should consider speaking with your physician.