What are the symptoms of a torn ligament or torn meniscus in the knee?
“Pain is usually felt either along the line of the joint where the meniscus is located or in the whole knee. Minor tears will lead to slight pain and swelling. A more serious tear may result in stiffness, as well as sharp pain with twisting or squatting, symptoms that may go away over time but can recur with a repeated twist or overuse. If a large portion of the meniscus is torn, the knee may lock, or it may even become impossible to straighten out the knee. The latter occurs when a piece of the torn meniscus gets caught in the hinge mechanism of the knee, similar to a pencil in a door hinge, preventing the knee from straightening. Over time, the constant rubbing of the torn meniscus on the articular cartilage of the knee joint may break down the surface and cause joint degeneration. The knee swells and becomes stiff and tight due to “water on the knee” (accumulated fluid in the knee joint). Water on the knee, however, can also be caused by other knee injuries.” Not my own description
