Meniscal tears and knee arthritis are frequently discussed independently. But they are actually interrelated in a bi-directional manner, meaning that each can contribute to the development or worsening of the other.
Why does it matter? Understanding this relationship is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sumit Dewanjee leads our team at FXRX in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona. He’s a well-known knee specialist whose skill and experience ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for painful knee conditions.
In recognition of Arthritis Awareness Month, Dr. Dewanjee and our FXRX team are happy to explain the connection between meniscal tears and knee arthritis.
Some types of arthritis are associated with underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks healthy joints.
Osteoarthritis (OA), on the other hand, is associated with joint wear-and-tear. It’s the most common type of arthritis. OA can occur in any joint, but most frequently affects the knees, hips, spine, and other weight-bearing joints.
OA is a degenerative joint disease that causes a gradual breakdown of cartilage. As the cartilage wears down, the bones within the joint begin to rub against each other, resulting in pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
The most common risk factors for OA include aging, obesity, previous joint injuries, and genetics.
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure in the knee that acts as a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shinbone). It helps with shock absorption, joint stability, and load distribution.
Meniscus tears often occur due to acute trauma caused by running and quick changes in direction or pivoting in sports like football, tennis, and basketball.
Degenerative processes linked to aging or repetitive stress on the knee joint also increase the risk of meniscal tears. In this case, depending on the level of joint deterioration, even an awkward step off a curb can cause a meniscal tear.
Meniscal tears can contribute to or accelerate knee arthritis by altering joint mechanics.
For instance, because a damaged meniscus disrupts the even distribution of weight across the knee, it loses the ability to absorb impact efficiently. This leads to increased joint stress and faster cartilage breakdown.
A torn meniscus also triggers the body’s inflammatory response, which contributes to joint degradation.
Conversely, knee arthritis can predispose an individual to meniscal tears through:
As the cartilage wears down, the meniscus becomes increasingly vulnerable to stress and is subjected to greater stress, making it more prone to tearing.
Arthritis can lead to muscle weakness and ligament laxity, making the knee joint more unstable and prone to injuries, including meniscal tears.
The inflammatory environment in an arthritic knee can weaken the meniscal structure over time, making it more susceptible to degenerative tears.
Because knee arthritis and meniscal tears frequently coexist, an accurate diagnosis is essential for effective knee treatment.
Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition and may include:
Dr. Dewanjee may recommend physical therapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, or orthopedic bracing to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression.
Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can temporarily relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
In severe cases, Dr. Dewanjee may recommend arthroscopic meniscectomy, meniscal repair, or even total knee replacement to restore pain-free mobility.
Dr. Dewanjee can also work with you to minimize the risk of developing knee arthritis following a meniscal tear, or vice versa. Your strategy may include:
Addressing knee pain early and seeking medical advice can prevent further joint deterioration. Schedule a visit at FXRX today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
