Meniscus Tear: Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid Considerations

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury, particularly among athletes involved in sports that require sudden pivoting, twisting, or direct contact—such as football, basketball, soccer, and tennis. In Canada, meniscus injuries are frequently seen in sports, recreation, and workplace settings that involve physical exertion.

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). Each knee contains two menisci, and either can be torn when the knee is forcefully rotated or compressed.

Although commonly associated with sports, meniscus tears can also occur during everyday movements, such as standing up quickly from a squatting position or lifting heavy objects incorrectly.

What Causes a Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear often occurs during activities that involve forceful twisting, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction. Common causes include:

• Abrupt turning or pivoting on a bent knee

• Forceful twisting during contact sports

• Deep squatting or heavy lifting

• Sudden stops during running

• Rapidly standing from a squatting position

Sports with frequent starts, stops, and directional changes place individuals at higher risk. Meniscus tears are also becoming more common among children and adolescents due to early participation in organized and competitive sports.

As individuals age—typically over 30—the meniscus becomes thinner and weaker. In older adults, meniscus tears are often degenerative, occurring with minimal force. People with osteoarthritis are at increased risk.

Signs and Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear may be accompanied by a popping sensation at the time of injury, followed by symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the knee

• Pain or tenderness when touching the joint

• Difficulty moving the knee through its full range of motion

• Sensation that the knee may “give way”

• Catching, locking, or clicking within the joint

A loose piece of cartilage may interfere with joint movement, causing the knee to lock. Medical assessment is essential if symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or if the knee cannot bend after being straightened.

First Aid and Early Management

From a first aid perspective, suspected meniscus injuries should be treated as soft tissue injuries until medically assessed.

Immediate care may include:

• Resting the knee and avoiding weight-bearing activity

• Applying ice to reduce pain and swelling

• Compression with an elastic bandage (not too tight)

• Elevating the leg when possible

Prompt medical evaluation helps determine whether treatment involves rehabilitation, physiotherapy, or surgery.

Prevention Tips

Preventive strategies include:

• Strengthening leg and knee-supporting muscles

• Warming up before physical activity

• Using proper techniques during sports and lifting

• Wearing appropriate footwear and protective gear

Important Disclaimer

Educational Use Only
This article is intended for general injury awareness and first aid education in Canada. It does not replace professional medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Anyone experiencing knee locking, instability, or persistent pain should seek care from a qualified healthcare provider.