What are three signs of a Meniscus tear in the knee?

When knee pain strikes—especially after a twist, fall, or sudden movement—it’s natural to worry: Is something torn? Will I need surgery?
At Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we frequently diagnose and treat meniscus tears, one of the most common causes of knee pain in both active individuals and older adults.

Recognizing the early warning signs of a meniscus tear can help you seek timely care and avoid long-term joint damage. In this blog, we’ll walk you through three common signs of a meniscus tear, along with answers to the most frequently asked patient questions about treatment, recovery, and more.

1. Knee Pain During Twisting or Weight-Bearing Activities

One of the first signs of a torn meniscus is pain localized to either side of the knee, especially during movement or weight-bearing.

Common questions:

• Is the pain constant or only during activity?
  Pain often occurs when twisting, squatting, or climbing stairs. Some patients feel a dull ache at rest, while others describe sharp pain during motion.
• Can it improve with rest?
  Mild tears may improve temporarily, but pain often returns with activity. Early evaluation is key to preventing worsening symptoms.

2. Swelling and Limited Knee Mobility

Swelling is another early indicator. It may appear immediately or several hours after the injury.

Common questions:

• How long does the swelling last?
  Swelling can persist for days or come and go, especially with movement.
• Will the stiffness go away on its own?
  Sometimes, but if the tear is significant, stiffness and swelling tend to recur, especially after walking or bending the knee.

At DRHC Dubai, we assess the extent of damage through physical examination and imaging such as MRI. This helps us plan the best course of treatment.

3. Locking, Catching, or Knee Giving Way

A torn meniscus may interfere with smooth knee movement, causing the joint to catch or lock. Some patients feel like their knees are “stuck” or might collapse under them.

Common questions:

• Why does my knee lock up?
  A flap of torn cartilage may get trapped in the joint space, preventing full motion.
• Can this be dangerous?
  Repeated locking or giving way increases the risk of falls and may worsen joint damage over time. It's important to have this symptom assessed.

Our Related Blogs:

• Meniscus Repair vs. Meniscectomy: What's the Difference?
• Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Without Surgery?
• When Do You Need Surgery for a Meniscus Tear?
• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: A Minimally Invasive Option in Dubai
• Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair: How It Works (Step-by-Step)
• Meniscus Repair Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week Guide
• Is Meniscus Surgery Safe for Older Adults?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I always need surgery for a meniscus tear?
No. Many small or stable tears—especially in younger patients or in the outer edge of the meniscus—can heal with non-surgical treatment such as:

• Rest and physiotherapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Intra-articular injections (e.g., PRP or hyaluronic acid)
• Activity modification

At DRHC, we explore conservative options first unless the tear is causing mechanical issues like locking or instability.

3. What is the recovery time after surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type of tear and procedure performed (repair vs. partial removal):

• Meniscus Repair: 4–6 weeks of limited activity, full recovery in 3–4 months
• Meniscectomy (removal): Return to normal activities in 2–4 weeks

A physiotherapy program at DRHC can significantly speed up healing and help you regain strength and mobility.

2. How painful is meniscus surgery?
Meniscus surgery is usually minimally invasive and done using knee arthroscopy. Most patients report mild to moderate pain after surgery, which is well-managed with medication.

• You’ll typically go home the same day
• The pain subsides within a few days
• Many people return to normal daily activities within 2–4 weeks

3. What is the recovery time after surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type of tear and procedure performed (repair vs. partial removal):

• Meniscus Repair: 4–6 weeks of limited activity, full recovery in 3–4 months
• Meniscectomy (removal): Return to normal activities in 2–4 weeks

A physiotherapy program at DRHC can significantly speed up healing and help you regain strength and mobility.

4. What are the risks of meniscus surgery?
As with any surgery, risks are minimal but can include:

• Infection (rare with arthroscopy)
• Swelling or stiffness
• Incomplete healing of the tear (especially in repair cases)
• Future risk of arthritis (mainly in large or repeated tears)

At DRHC Dubai, all procedures are performed with advanced safety protocols, and we guide you through pre-and post-operative care to reduce complications.

5. Can I avoid surgery altogether?
Yes, if the tear is small and does not cause instability or locking. Many patients improve with non-surgical options like physiotherapy, supportive bracing, and injections.

If surgery is necessary, arthroscopic repair is low-risk, and we make every effort to ensure a smooth, well-supported recovery.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you're experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, or the sensation of your knee locking or giving way, don't wait. These signs may indicate a meniscus tear or another underlying issue that could worsen over time.

At Dr. Rami Hamed Center in Dubai, our orthopedic specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating knee injuries using both conservative and advanced surgical techniques. We take time to listen to your concerns and create a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

Book Your Consultation at DRHC Dubai

Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult, or simply dealing with unexpected knee pain, our team at DRHC is here to help.
Timely treatment can mean the difference between full recovery and long-term joint issues.

Dr. Rami Hamed
Consultant Spine & Orthopedic Surgeon
Founder, DRHC – Dubai Healthcare City
📞 ‪+971 4 279 8800‬
🌐 www.drhc.ae
📍 Dubai Healthcare City, Building 52