Meniscus tear

The menisci play a key role in knee stability, joint lubrication and smooth movement and protect the articular cartilage from excessive stress. When a meniscus tear occurs, a fragment may irritate the surrounding cartilage or become caught between the joint surfaces during motion, causing pain or episodes of locking. Symptoms are not always dramatic at first – some people report a more localised pain on the inner or outer side of the knee that worsens with deep squatting, twisting or prolonged standing. Others experience more mechanical features such as sharp pain, clicking or difficulty fully straightening the leg.

Diagnosis of a meniscus tear combines the clinical history with specific physical tests that stress and rotate the knee, along with imaging such as magnetic resonance when indicated. What matters is not only the presence of a tear but how strongly it correlates with the symptoms and how much it interferes with daily function. In many cases, particularly with degenerative tears, the first line of care is conservative, aiming to reduce pain, restore mobility and strengthen the muscles that support the knee. Arthroscopic surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist, the knee repeatedly locks or functional limitations remain significant despite a period of structured rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy for a meniscus tear aims to reduce pain and swelling, restore range of motion and improve knee stability. In the early phase, the focus is on gentle bending and straightening within comfortable limits, activating the quadriceps and hip muscles and practising simple functional tasks such as safe level-ground walking. At the same time, education is provided on avoiding positions that irritate the meniscus, for example deep squats with rotation or sudden changes of direction.

As symptoms settle, the programme progresses to more targeted strengthening of the muscles around the knee and hip, balance and neuromuscular control exercises and a gradual increase in load through activities that resemble the person’s daily or sporting demands. When arthroscopic surgery has been performed, physiotherapy begins with protection of the operated tissues and a gradual return to full motion and weight-bearing as guided by the surgeon. The goal is to achieve good mobility, sufficient strength and a sense of stability in the knee, so that the individual can safely return to the activities that are important to them.