Knee Cartilage & Meniscus Tears: Symptoms and Activity Considerations

The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints, especially in activities that involve running, jumping, rapid changes in direction, twisting, or stop-and-start movements. Cartilage covers the ends of bones inside the knee, helping them glide smoothly. The meniscus sits between the bones and acts as a shock absorber that protects the joint from impact.

Cartilage can tear from a sudden injury or gradually weaken with age and repetitive stress. If symptoms suggest a tear, medical assessment helps guide treatment and prevent the injury from worsening.

Pain and Popping Sensation

When knee cartilage or the meniscus tears, a popping sensation may occur at the time of injury. Pain typically appears along the inside or outside of the knee (rather than directly over the kneecap). Some people describe the knee as feeling weak, unstable, or less able to support weight.

Swelling and Stiffness

Swelling may develop within a few hours or over a day or two. Stiffness can make it difficult to bend or fully straighten the knee. Without rest and appropriate management, swelling may increase as inflammation builds.

Small tears may settle on their own over weeks, but more significant injuries may require physiotherapy or surgical intervention depending on severity.

Locking or Catching

When a tear disrupts how the knee moves, the joint may catch or lock temporarily. In some cases, pieces of cartilage can move inside the joint and block motion. Without treatment, symptoms may return during sports or daily activities and may eventually become persistent.

Limited motion can also lead to tightness and weakness in surrounding muscles, increasing discomfort over time.

Activity, Sports, and Workplace Context

Knee cartilage injuries are seen across:

• Sports (basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis)

• Trades and manual labour

• Healthcare and emergency services

• Recreation programs and active workplaces

Awareness and early response are common components of first aid and workplace safety training in Canada. Injury recognition, safe return-to-work planning, and CPR/AED training all support environments where mobility and physical readiness matter.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical examination or treatment. Canadians with persistent knee pain, swelling, or locking should seek assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.