I squatted down and felt something tear on the inside of my knee. Is it my meniscus?

Why squatting can tear the meniscus

In a deep squat the back part of the medial meniscus, called the posterior horn, is squeezed hard between the thigh bone and the shin bone. If you add weight, a twist, or a quick push up from the bottom position, that compressed tissue can split.

In people under about 35 this usually needs a heavy load or an awkward movement. From middle age the meniscus is less elastic, and a simple squat to pick something up, or rising from sitting cross-legged, can be enough.

Signs that make a meniscus tear more likely

• Pain pinpointed on the inner joint line, roughly level with the crease at the back of the knee
• Pain when you squat again, turn in bed or pivot on that leg
• Swelling that builds over the next day rather than within the first hour
• A catching or clicking feeling deep inside the knee
• Difficulty fully straightening or fully bending the knee

What to do in the first days

Avoid deep squats, kneeling and twisting while the knee is sore. Walking is usually fine if it is comfortable. Ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day, a simple compression sleeve and elevating the leg help with swelling. Simple pain relief can be used if it suits you.

Do not test the knee with repeated squats to see whether it is still painful. Each heavy squat on a fresh tear can make it larger.

When to book an assessment in Doha

If pain and swelling have not clearly improved within two to three weeks, or if the knee catches, locks or gives way at any point, book an examination. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber examines the joint line and rotation tests and decides whether an MRI is needed. Young patients with a fresh tear should be seen sooner, because early tears are more often repairable.