Meniscus tear
Last updated: 9 Feb. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Ever felt a sudden pop in your knee while twisting or squatting? Or noticed stiffness and swelling after a simple jog or stair climb? These can be early signs of a meniscus tear, a common yet often overlooked knee injury that affects people of all ages, not just athletes.
The meniscus is a small, crescent-shaped cushion of cartilage in your knee that helps absorb shock and keep movement smooth. Over time or through sudden motion, it can tear, causing pain, swelling, or a “locked” feeling in the joint.
Early testing and physical assessment can identify subtle injuries before they worsen. Elfcare’s preventive philosophy focuses on awareness – understanding what’s happening inside your body so you can care for your joints before long-term wear sets in.
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What is a meniscus tear?
Your knee has two menisci, one on the inner (medial) side and one on the outer (lateral) side. These cartilage pads act as cushions between your thighbone and shinbone, stabilizing and protecting the joint during movement.
A meniscus tear happens when this cartilage is strained, either by sudden twisting, deep squatting, or repetitive stress over time. The tear can be small or large, partial or complete. In younger adults, it often occurs during sports or workouts. In older adults, it may result from gradual degeneration of the cartilage.
When the meniscus is damaged, the knee may no longer glide smoothly, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear
Common meniscus tear symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness around the knee joint
Swelling or stiffness after movement
Clicking or popping sounds when bending the knee
Difficulty straightening or fully bending the knee
A sensation of the knee “locking” or “giving way”
Sometimes, mild tears cause only subtle discomfort that comes and goes. That’s why early testing and proper assessment are key to preventing long-term cartilage wear.
What causes a meniscus tear?
Meniscus tears can occur from:
Sudden twisting or pivoting movements during sports or exercise
Deep squatting or heavy lifting that strains knee cartilage
Degenerative wear and tear due to ageing or repetitive motion
Poor muscle strength or flexibility around the knee and thigh
Excess body weight, which increases joint pressure
Certain conditions like osteoarthritis or previous knee injuries, such as an ACL injury, can also raise the risk. Understanding these factors helps you stay mindful of how daily habits affect joint health.
How is a meniscus tear detected?
Diagnosis usually combines clinical examination with imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound. But even before imaging, blood tests can highlight markers of inflammation or tissue strain that signal joint imbalance.
Key biomarkers linked to joint and cartilage health include:
CRP (C-reactive protein): detects inflammation levels that may reflect joint irritation.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate): measures chronic inflammation that may affect healing.
Vitamin D and calcium: indicate bone and cartilage strength.
Uric acid: helps identify underlying metabolic causes of joint pain.
Why early detection matters
A small tear can heal or stabilize with rest and physiotherapy, but if ignored it can worsen and lead to early arthritis or chronic pain. Detecting inflammation early and addressing biomechanical issues can preserve joint cushioning and mobility.
Early insight means you can make simple changes like strengthening muscles, managing weight, or supplementing key nutrients to maintain smooth and pain-free movement.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s preventive blood panels track markers related to joint health, inflammation, and nutrient balance. Regular testing, combined with physical awareness, helps you stay ahead of wear-and-tear injuries like meniscus tears.
Elfcare’s focus is awareness, not treatment. By understanding your results, you can take small steps such as stretching, strengthening, and nutrition to keep your knees resilient and active.
Summary
Meniscus tears are not limited to athletes. They can affect anyone whose knees work hard every day. Most begin as small strains that can be managed easily if recognised early.
Testing your inflammation and nutrient levels gives you a window into your joint health before pain becomes persistent. With regular checks and mindful movement, you can keep your knees flexible, strong, and ready for life’s motion.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your strength, mobility, and long-term joint health.
Last updated: 9 Feb. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is a meniscus tear?
A meniscus tear occurs when one of the small, crescent-shaped cartilage cushions in the knee becomes damaged. These cushions help absorb shock and keep the knee moving smoothly during walking, bending, and twisting. Tears can happen suddenly through injury or gradually due to wear and tear over time.
What are the most common symptoms of a meniscus tear?
Common symptoms include knee pain or tenderness, swelling or stiffness after activity, and clicking or popping sensations when moving the joint. Some people experience difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee, or a feeling that the knee may “lock” or give way. Mild tears may cause only occasional discomfort, making early awareness important.
What causes a meniscus tear?
Meniscus tears are often caused by twisting or pivoting movements, deep squatting, heavy lifting, or sports-related strain. Over time, ageing and repetitive stress can weaken the cartilage, making it more prone to tearing. Factors such as poor muscle support, excess body weight, or previous knee injuries can also increase risk.
Can a meniscus tear be treated or prevented?
Yes. Many meniscus tears can be treated with rest, physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, and activity adjustments, especially when identified early. While not all tears can be prevented, maintaining strong leg muscles, good movement technique, a healthy body weight, and joint-supporting nutrition can reduce strain on the knee and lower the risk of injury over time.