You twist your knee stepping off a curb, playing pickleball, or getting out of the car. You feel a sharp pain, maybe even a pop. But after a few minutes, you realize you can still walk.
So, your knee must be fine, right?
Not necessarily.
Yes, you can often still walk with a torn meniscus. Some people experience significant pain and swelling, while others have relatively mild symptoms. Being able to put weight on your leg doesn't automatically mean your knee is uninjured.
At Hand & Microsurgery Associates, we help patients throughout Columbus and Central Ohio understand knee injuries, explore treatment options, and determine when specialized orthopedic care may be needed.
What Exactly Is a Torn Meniscus?
Your knee contains two pieces of cartilage called menisci. These act as cushions between your thighbone and shinbone, helping absorb shock and stabilize your knee.
A meniscus tear can happen suddenly when your knee twists while your foot remains planted. It can also develop gradually as the cartilage weakens over time.
Common causes include:
- Twisting during basketball, tennis, or pickleball
- Sudden changes in direction while running
- Squatting or lifting heavy objects
- Awkward landings during sports
- Everyday movements involving a planted foot and a twisting knee
You don't have to be a competitive athlete to tear your meniscus.
What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus?
Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tear.
Common warning signs include:
- Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
- Swelling that develops over several hours or days
- Clicking, catching, or popping sensations
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Pain when squatting or twisting
- A feeling that the knee might give out
- The knee becoming stuck or locked in one position
Some people continue walking and working for days or weeks before realizing their knee injury may be more significant than a simple strain.
Can Walking Make a Torn Meniscus Worse?
It depends on the injury.
Some meniscus tears remain relatively stable, and patients can continue certain activities without additional damage. Others may become more painful or mechanically troublesome with repeated twisting, deep squatting, or high-impact activity.
If your knee is swollen, catching, locking, or giving out, continuing to push through the pain is not a good idea.
Until you've been evaluated, avoid activities that reproduce significant pain or instability.
Does a Torn Meniscus Always Require Surgery?
No. Many meniscus tears can be managed without surgery.
Treatment depends on several factors, including your age, activity level, symptoms, the location and type of tear, and whether other structures in the knee are injured.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Ice and swelling management
- Appropriate pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications
- Temporary bracing when indicated
However, certain tears may require surgical treatment, particularly when the knee is mechanically locked or symptoms continue despite appropriate nonsurgical care.
When surgery is recommended, a procedure called knee arthroscopy may be used to repair or treat the damaged cartilage.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist for Knee Pain?
You should seek prompt evaluation if:
- You heard or felt a pop during an injury
- Your knee swells significantly
- Your knee repeatedly buckles or gives out
- You cannot fully straighten your knee
- You experience catching or locking
- Pain makes normal walking difficult
- Your symptoms aren't improving
Seek emergency medical evaluation if your knee is visibly deformed, you cannot bear weight after a significant injury, or you have numbness or a cold foot.
Knee Injury? You May Be Able to Call a Specialist Directly
Not every knee injury requires a trip to the emergency room.
For many non-emergency knee injuries, contacting an orthopedic practice directly may be an appropriate first step.
At Hand & Microsurgery Associates, our team helps Central Ohio patients evaluate orthopedic injuries and understand their treatment options, including sports medicine care for active patients.
Don't assume your knee is fine just because you can still walk. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, locking, or instability after an injury, contact Hand & Microsurgery Associates to discuss an orthopedic evaluation.
Request an Appointment Call 614-262-4263Hand & Microsurgery Associates — Specialized Orthopedic Care for Columbus and Central Ohio.