Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)

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 pain or tenderness stiffness or swelling around your knee – the swelling may not start for a few hours or days difficulty bending, straightening or moving your knee your knee giving way when you try to stand a crunching or clicking feeling when you move your knee The symptoms can be similar to sprains .

There are some things you can do to ease symptoms of a meniscus tear. Do 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 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 take paracetamol or ibuprofen gel or tablets to ease pain Don’t do not use heat packs and avoid hot baths do not drink alcohol do not massage your knee do not carry anything heavy do not completely stop moving your knee – after a few days of resting, try to do some gentle movements A pharmacist can help with a meniscus tear You can ask a pharmacist about painkillers and the types of knee supports you can get. Find a pharmacy

Most symptoms of a meniscus tear are not serious, but sometimes you may need medical help. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: knee pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back your symptoms have not improved after treating it at home your knee is stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up Information: Refer yourself for back or joint help In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP. Get NHS help for back or joint problems Urgent advice: Get an urgent GP appointment or help from NHS 111 if: you have very bad knee pain after a fall or injury you're unable to walk or put weight on your knee the skin around your knee is swollen and feels hot you have knee pain and a high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery you cannot bend or straighten your leg You can call 111 or get help from 111 online . Immediate action required: Go to A&E if: your knee has moved out of place, changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle you have any tingling or you have no feeling in your knee, leg or toes Find your nearest A&E

A meniscus tear can get better on its own without treatment, but it can take a while to heal. Sometimes, physiotherapy may be recommended to help reduce pain and improve movement and strength in the knee. If the damage is severe, you may need arthroscopy surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.