Meniscus

The meniscus refers to either of two C-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage inside the knee joint — one on the inner side (the medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (the lateral meniscus) — that absorb shock, distribute load, and stabilize the joint.

What your meniscus does and what it means when it tears

Your two menisci sit between the femur above and the tibia below, acting as cushions and stabilizers that increase the contact area between the joint surfaces and help distribute the forces passing through the knee. They also contribute to joint lubrication and help guide the knee's movement during bending and rotation. A meniscus tear can happen acutely — from a twisting injury under load — or gradually from wear over time. Symptoms typically include pain along the joint line on the affected side, swelling that develops within hours of an injury, and sometimes a locking or catching sensation if a fragment is displaced. Many people with meniscus tears, however, have no significant symptoms at all — particularly with degenerative tears that develop slowly with age.

Why meniscus tears are commonly overtreated

Many meniscus tears — especially degenerative ones in middle-aged and older adults — respond as well as or better than physical therapy alone, often without surgery. The finding of a tear on an MRI doesn't automatically mean surgery is the right path, and most people benefit from a thorough trial of rehabilitation first.

Why the MRI finding doesn't always explain the pain

Meniscus tears are present on MRI in a large proportion of adults over 40 who have no knee pain. When pain is present, the tear may be incidental rather than the primary source. A physical therapist can help determine whether your symptoms are consistent with the tear or driven by something else — and design a rehabilitation program accordingly.

How Sword Health can help

Whether you're recovering from an acute meniscus injury, managing a degenerative tear, or deciding whether to pursue surgery, a physical therapist can guide your next steps with evidence-based care. Sword connects you with that expertise from home, so you have a clear path forward.