Meniscus Tear vs. Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference

Knee pain can be frustrating, especially when it affects your ability to walk, exercise, or even sleep. Two of the most common causes of knee discomfort are meniscus tears and knee arthritis—but how do you know which one you’re dealing with?

While both conditions share symptoms like stiffness and swelling, they differ significantly in cause, treatment, and long-term management. This blog helps you understand the key differences between a meniscus tear and arthritis, and what to do if you’re experiencing knee pain.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci—medial and lateral.

Common Causes:

• Sudden twisting or turning (e.g. during sports)

• Deep squatting or lifting heavy objects

• Degenerative wear in older adults

Symptoms:

• Sharp or catching pain during movement

• Swelling within 24–48 hours after injury

• A feeling of the knee “locking” or “giving way”

• Localised tenderness along the joint line

Meniscus tears can result from trauma or develop slowly over time with wear and tear, especially in people over 50.

What Is Knee Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative joint condition that causes the cartilage covering the bones to wear down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain.

Common Causes:

• Ageing and cartilage degeneration

• Previous injury (post-traumatic arthritis)

• Obesity or overuse

• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms:

• Dull, aching pain that worsens with activity

• Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes

• Joint swelling and creaking (crepitus)

• Reduced range of motion and stiffness, especially after rest

Arthritis tends to progress gradually and often affects both knees symmetrically.

Key Differences: Meniscus Tear vs. Arthritis

Diagnosis and Imaging

If you’re not sure whether your knee pain is due to a meniscus injury or arthritis, a specialist will use a combination of:

• Physical examination (joint line tenderness, McMurray’s test)

• X-rays (to rule out arthritis or other bone conditions)

• MRI scan (best for viewing soft tissue like the meniscus and cartilage)

Treatment Options

Meniscus Tear:

• Conservative: Rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatories

• Surgical: Arthroscopic repair or partial meniscectomy (especially in younger patients or athletes)

Arthritis:

• Conservative: Weight loss, physiotherapy, joint injections (e.g. PRP, hyaluronic acid)

• Surgical: Joint-preserving procedures or total knee replacement in advanced cases

Final Thoughts

Understanding whether your knee pain is caused by a meniscus tear or arthritis is the first step toward effective treatment. While both conditions affect joint cartilage, they differ in cause, symptoms, and long-term impact. Early diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and protect joint health.

Still unsure what’s causing your knee pain?
Speak to a musculoskeletal specialist at MSK Doctors—no referral needed. Our advanced imaging and motion analysis tools can provide clarity and help you get back to doing what you love.