Have you ever squatted or bent your knee and suddenly felt like something inside was blocking its movement? You can’t fully straighten your leg, and bending it causes a sharp pain that makes you stop immediately. This is more than just a minor ache.

It could be a sign of a meniscus tear — a common knee injury among active individuals and athletes who place excessive strain on their joints. This condition can affect walking, balance, and overall quality of life.   

Inability to fully bend or straighten the leg

The most noticeable symptom is limited range of motion — the knee feels blocked when trying to fully bend or straighten. Patients often describe a tight, stabbing pain deep inside the joint, sometimes needing to use their hands for support while changing position.

Deep-seated knee pain, especially during twisting movements

The pain typically originates deep inside the knee — not on the surface — especially on the inner or lateral side. It becomes more pronounced during activities involving pressure, like climbing stairs, squatting, or making quick posture changes.

Sensation of the knee “locking” or foreign object inside the joint

Many patients describe a sensation of the knee getting “stuck” or unable to move freely, as if something is blocking it inside. Some even try forcefully moving the joint to release the lock — a risky action that may worsen the tear.

Swelling and warmth after heavy use

Repeated stress or worsening tears can lead to inflammation, causing the knee to swell, feel warm, tight, and painful to the touch. These symptoms typically intensify after prolonged walking or exercise. 

Causes of Meniscus Tears in the Knee

Sudden twisting of the knee

This can happen when turning quickly while the foot remains planted, stopping abruptly, or falling in a way that twists the knee abnormally.

Overloading the joint

Activities involving repetitive bending, high-impact movement, jumping, or spinning can overload the knee and increase the risk of tearing the meniscus.

Direct trauma or impact  

Accidents such as falls, vehicle collisions, or blunt force to the side of the knee can directly damage the meniscus.

Age-related knee degeneration

As we age, the meniscus becomes less flexible and more brittle, making it more prone to tearing even during routine activities like prolonged walking or squatting.

Previous knee injury left untreated

Improperly treated knee injuries — especially without proper physical therapy — may lead to recurrent tears or long-term instability in the knee joint. 

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Diagnosis and Treatment Approach

At S Spine & Joint Hospital, a specialized center for spine and joint care, we prioritize precise root-cause diagnosis. Our process includes X-rays, MRI scans, and a thorough physical examination to assess knee mobility in detail. This helps our specialists determine the most suitable treatment pathway for each patient.

For patients with mild symptoms, treatment may begin with anti-inflammatory medication, rest, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and reduce pressure on the knee joint. 

In more severe cases or when a meniscus tear is present, our orthopedic specialists may recommend minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using arthroscopic meniscus repair. This technique minimizes tissue damage, ensures faster recovery, lowers the risk of complications, and allows patients to resume daily activities within just a few weeks.