Why does my torn meniscus hurt on the stairs and at night, and what helps?

Why stairs hurt

On stairs the knee bends under body weight, which compresses the meniscus between the thigh bone and the shin bone. Going down is usually worse because the thigh muscles work to brake the movement, and any weakness lets the knee wobble. A twist on a step, or reaching a deep bend on a high step, can trigger a sharp pain at the joint line.

Making stairs easier

• Use the handrail and take one step at a time while the knee is sore
• Going up, lead with the good leg; going down, lead with the sore leg
• Use lifts where available, at work, malls or home, during a flare
• Strengthen the thigh and hip muscles, which is the long-term solution
• Avoid carrying heavy loads up and down stairs in the early weeks

Why nights can be difficult

Lying on your side lets the knees press against each other, which irritates a tear on the inner side. Lying still for hours lets the knee stiffen, so the first steps in the morning or at night can be painful. Inflammation can also make the joint ache at rest. A pillow between the knees, or under the knee when lying on your back, often eases this. Avoid sleeping with the knee tucked into a deep bend.

When night pain needs a check

Pain that wakes you every night, a knee that is hot or very swollen, fever, or pain that is steadily worsening are not typical of a simple meniscus tear and should be examined. Dr. Gelber at Aman Hospital in Doha can assess the knee and look for other causes such as arthritis, a bone bruise or inflammation of the joint lining.