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Knee ligament or meniscus injury

Also called: Torn meniscus, ACL tear, MCL tear, knee ligament injury

A tear in a knee ligament or the cartilage cushion (meniscus), often from twisting. Swelling, pain, and a knee that gives way are common.

TypeKnee injury
Often fromTwisting, pivoting, or a hit
TreatmentRest, therapy, sometimes surgery

Overview

An ACL tear often comes with a pop and fast swelling.

A meniscus tear may cause catching or locking.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Knee pain, swelling, or giving way after a twist
  • Knee gives way or popped
  • Swollen knee
  • Knee locks, clicks, or grinds

Less common

  • Pop at injury
  • Locking or catching

When to get medical care

Call 911A bent or cold leg, or a bone sticking out.
Get care todayCan't put weight on it, or the knee is locked.
See a doctor soonSwelling or giving way lasting a week.

Causes

Twisting, landing hard, or hits to the knee.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Sports
  • Women athletes

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician examines the knee.

Questions you may be asked

  • How it happened
  • Pop, locking, giving way

The exam

Tests of knee stability.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • MRI: Shows ligaments and meniscus.
  • X-ray: For broken bones.

Treatment

Protect the knee first.

Self-care

  • Rest from activities that hurt
  • Ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day
  • Raise the area when you can
  • Use crutches if it hurts to walk

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Pain and swellingAsk first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Physical therapy; surgery for some tears.

Prevention

To prevent injury:

  • Strength and balance training

Which doctor treats this

  • Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
  • They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor) or a sports medicine doctor.
  • A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
  • Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.

Outlook

Most return to activity.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I need surgery?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Knee ligament or meniscus injury

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.