Patient question
I'm 55 and felt a pop at the back of my knee going down stairs. What is it?
Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon
Quick answer
A painful pop at the back of the knee during a simple movement like stepping down or squatting, in someone over 50, often points to a tear of the meniscus root, explains knee surgeon Dr. Pablo Gelber in Doha. It deserves an examination and usually an MRI within a few weeks, not months.
Why this pattern is so typical
From middle age the meniscus becomes stiffer and the back of the inner meniscus, where it anchors to bone, carries a lot of load when the knee is deeply bent. A small movement such as stepping down a stair, getting up from a low seat or rising from the floor can be enough to tear the root.
People often describe a pop or a tearing feeling at the back of the knee, followed by pain along the inner side that makes stairs, walking downhill and deep bending difficult. Swelling may appear the next day.
Other things it could be
- A different type of meniscus tear
- A flare of existing knee arthritis
- A Baker's cyst that has leaked, which causes calf pain and swelling
- Rarely, a blood clot in the calf
Seek urgent care the same day if your calf becomes hot, swollen and tender, if you are short of breath, if the knee is hot and red with fever, or if you cannot put any weight on the leg.
What to do in the next few days
Rest the knee from deep bending and stairs where you can, use ice for short periods, and take simple pain relief if it is safe for you. A walking stick in the opposite hand can take load off the knee. Avoid sitting on the floor or deep sujood for now; praying on a chair is a sensible temporary option.
Do not wait months to see if it settles. With a root tear, the meniscus can gradually move out of the joint, and the window for repair is generally better when the cartilage is still healthy.
What a consultation involves
At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber will ask exactly how it happened and examine the inner joint line, swelling and movement. An MRI is usually needed to see the root, and standing X-rays show alignment and any arthritis. Together these decide whether repair, non-surgical care or another approach suits you.
Frequently asked questions
The pain has eased a little. Can I still have a root tear?
Yes. Pain often settles somewhat after the first weeks even when the root has torn, because the knee adapts. Easing pain does not mean the meniscus has reattached.
Why is the pain on the inside if the pop was at the back?
The medial meniscus root sits at the back of the inner side of the knee. Once it tears, the inner compartment takes more load, so pain is usually felt along the inner joint line.
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