With aging, the cartilage grows weaker, and tears can occur with less force and with overuse or repeated small injuries. The most common symptom of a torn meniscus cartilage is pain. A piece of the meniscus can catch in the hinge of the knee and prevent the leg from straightening or bending. If this piece moves out of the hinge, the knee will move normally right away. There may be swelling, depending on the amount of damage.
Initial treatment is to reduce the swelling and pain.
Make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. Meniscus injuries usually do not heal on their own. Surgery is often required to repair or remove the torn part of the meniscus. This is a minor surgery done with an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a surgical instrument, with a long thin flexible tube attached to a tiny camera lens.