A Meniscus can become torn when movements forcefully rotate the knee while the foot is firmly planted, for example during contact sports such as basketball or football.

Meniscal tear symptoms include:

- Clicking or popping sounds during movement

- Limited range of movement

- Locking sensation (inability to straighten the knee)

- Pain on either side of the knee

- Swelling at the joint line area

- Tenderness along the joint line

Though meniscal tears can often heal on their own, surgical procedures may be prescribed to speed up the recovery of those tears. Otherwise, the RICE protocol of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation is sufficient.

- Compression to prevent additional swelling, wear an elastic compression bandage

- Elevation to reduce swelling, recline when you rest, and put your leg up higher than your heart

- Ice as cold packs on the injury for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day

- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which will reduce pain and swelling

- Rest that allows you to take a break from the activity that caused the injury

If surgery is needed to repair or remove the pieces of the torn meniscus, this is usually done by arthroscopy (keyhole surgery).

A torn meniscus can attribute to long-term problems due to constant rubbing on the cartilage. This can cause the joint surface to become worn and lead to knee Osteoarthritis.