A meniscus tear can make walking feel painful, stiff, unstable, or mechanically awkward. If you notice pain along the inner or outer side of your knee, swelling after activity, or a catching sensation as you take a step, an evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can help determine the cause.
Serving Linden, Clark, and Union, NJ, Union County Orthopaedic Group has provided orthopedic care since 1966. Its team of physicians includes Christopher R. Ropiak, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports orthopedic surgery and a subspecialty focus on knee arthroscopy and sports medicine.
Learn more below about how this injury may feel when walking and what can be done about it.
Where Does Meniscus Pain Usually Occur?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the space between your thighbone and shinbone. Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side.
A tear commonly causes pain along the joint line, which is the narrow space where the upper and lower leg bones meet. Depending on which meniscus is injured, you may experience soreness on the inside or outside of your knee.
The discomfort can become more noticeable when you:
- Put weight on the affected leg
- Turn or pivot
- Climb stairs
- Squat or rise from a chair
- Walk on uneven ground
Can You Still Walk if You Have a Torn Meniscus?
Many people can still walk after a meniscus tear, particularly when the injury is small. That doesn’t mean the knee will feel normal.
You may unconsciously shorten your stride or avoid putting full weight on the injured side. Walking may become increasingly uncomfortable if activity causes swelling to develop or worsen. A larger or displaced tear may lead to the knee catching, locking, or suddenly giving way.
Continuing activities that trigger pain, catching, or inflammation may worsen your symptoms, so it’s helpful to have the knee evaluated. An assessment can clarify the source of the problem and whether temporary changes are needed.
Does a Meniscus Tear Always Hurt?
Not every tear causes severe or constant pain. Degenerative tears can develop gradually as cartilage weakens with age. You might first notice mild stiffness, swelling after movement, or trouble twisting rather than a sharp injury.
Symptoms can also come and go. Your knee may feel fairly comfortable while resting but hurt after a long walk, repeated stair climbing, or a quick change in direction.
When Should You Have Your Knee Checked?
Seek an evaluation when pain affects your normal walking pattern, inflammation keeps returning, or your knee catches or locks. You should also get prompt care when you can’t bear weight, fully straighten the leg, or move the knee after an injury.
Schedule an Exam Today
Don’t let recurring knee symptoms keep changing how you move. To discuss your concerns with Union County Orthopaedic Group, contact us at one of our orthopedic offices:
- Linden Office: (908) 486-1111
- Clark Office: (732) 388-1761
- Union Office: (908) 486-4400