A meniscal tear, also known as torn cartilage, involves the disc that cushions the knee. Each knee has a meniscus on the outer and inner edges of the knee. The purpose of the meniscus is to keep the knee steady by properly balancing the weight across the knee. When a meniscus is torn, the knee does not function properly. Meniscal tears can range from minor to severe. Minor tears typically cause slight pain and swelling that goes away in two or three weeks. Moderate tears typically result in the following symptoms:
- Pain in the knee
- Swelling that worsens over two or three days
- Stiffness of the knee
- Limited ability to bend the knee
- Sharp pain upon twisting the knee