Walking on an unstable meniscus tear can potentially worsen the tear, particularly if it leads to increase stress on the knee joint. Initial management of meniscal tears include rest and avoidance activities that provoke pain, such as deep knee flexion. Biomechanical studies have shown that meniscal tears can lead to increased shear stress and altered load distribution in the knee joint during activities like walking, which could worsen the tear and overall increase the risk of osteoarthritis. However, most tears are degenerative in nature, and generalized walking will not directly worsen the meniscal tear.
Conservative treatment options for meniscal tears included physical therapy to improve range of motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles, which can help stabilize the knee and reduce stress on the meniscus. In cases where conservative management fails, surgical options may be necessary, especially if there are mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching.
Mechanical episodes usually indicate that the meniscal tear is unstable-either flipping over on itself or being “extruded” from the joint. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended to consider surgical options to prevent further propagation of the tear.
Common symptoms indicating a worsening meniscus tear include:
- Increasing pain – patients often reports worsening pain localized to the joint line, especially with activities that load the knee, such as walking or squatting.
- Swelling – an effusion may develop or increase, indicating inflammation within the joint.
- Mechanical symptoms – catching, locking, or a sensation of the knee giving way can indicate a worsening tear.
- Reduce range of motion (ROM) – pain during terminal flexion and extension, or an inability to fully extend the knee the knee, may suggest a displaced meniscus fragment causing a mechanical block.
- Quadriceps inhibition – weakness or inhibition of the quadriceps muscle due to joint effusion can also be a sign of worsening pathology.
Overall, while walking itself is not inherently harmful, it is crucial to monitor symptoms and adjust activity levels to prevent further damage to the meniscus, which could increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in your knee.
