Meniscal injury
An injury to the meniscus of the knee, which contributes to shock absorption and load distribution. The meniscus can be injured acutely during twisting or develop symptoms gradually.
Mild meniscal symptoms may cause localized pain or tenderness and sometimes mild swelling. Pain may be noticeable during activities such as squatting, twisting or loading.
Acute meniscal injuries often occur when a loaded knee twists. In football, this can happen during changes of direction, tackles or landings. Meniscal symptoms can also develop gradually through repeated loading.
Common situations
- •Twisting of a loaded knee
- •Rapid change of direction
- •Landing with the knee simultaneously twisting
- •Tackle or other contact while the knee is loaded
Good strength and control in the leg and hip, together with progressive load increases, may help reduce overload risk and improve the knee's ability to tolerate load.
- •Train thigh and hip strength
- •Develop good single-leg and knee control
- •Practice changes of direction in a controlled manner
- •Increase training load progressively
Reduce or pause activities that provoke symptoms. In particular, avoid repeated twisting under load until the knee settles and is assessed if needed.
Symptom control and mobility
Restore normal range of motion and gradually increase loading without provoking symptoms.
Goals
Reduce pain and swelling and restore normal daily function.
Progression criteria
Able to walk and perform basic strengthening exercises without significant symptom increase.
Strength and load tolerance
Progressively build strength, single-leg control and load tolerance.
Goals
Restore function for running and football.
Progression criteria
Able to tolerate running and progressively more football-specific movements without swelling or significant pain.
- Good range of motion
- Minimal or no swelling
- Adequate leg strength and control
- Able to tolerate running, jumping and changes of direction
- No mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching
The information in the Injury Center is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Meniscal injury
An injury to the meniscus of the knee, which contributes to shock absorption and load distribution. The meniscus can be injured acutely during twisting or develop symptoms gradually.
Mild — Lättare besvär kan förbättras inom veckor, men tidsförloppet varierar beroende på skadans typ och omfattning.
Symptoms
Mild meniscal symptoms may cause localized pain or tenderness and sometimes mild swelling. Pain may be noticeable during activities such as squatting, twisting or loading.
Acute Treatment
Reduce or pause activities that provoke symptoms. In particular, avoid repeated twisting under load until the knee settles and is assessed if needed.
Rehabilitation
Restore normal range of motion and gradually increase loading without provoking symptoms.
Goals
Reduce pain and swelling and restore normal daily function.
Progression criteria
Able to walk and perform basic strengthening exercises without significant symptom increase.
Progressively build strength, single-leg control and load tolerance.
Goals
Restore function for running and football.
Progression criteria
Able to tolerate running and progressively more football-specific movements without swelling or significant pain.
Return to Play
- ☐ Good range of motion
- ☐ Minimal or no swelling
- ☐ Adequate leg strength and control
- ☐ Able to tolerate running, jumping and changes of direction
- ☐ No mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching
Moderate — Besvär kan kräva flera veckors rehabilitering och ibland längre beroende på skadans omfattning och eventuell samtidig skada.
Symptoms
More pronounced pain during twisting, squatting or running may occur together with swelling. Some players experience catching or a feeling that the knee does not move normally.
Acute Treatment
Stop football activity and reduce loading. If there is swelling, mechanical symptoms or persistent discomfort, the knee should be medically assessed.
Rehabilitation
Control pain and swelling and restore knee range of motion.
Goals
Good daily function and reduced symptoms.
Progression criteria
Able to load the leg during daily activities and rehabilitation exercises without significant worsening.
Progressive strength, balance, running and changes of direction.
Goals
Restore strength and load tolerance for football.
Progression criteria
Able to tolerate running, jumping and changes of direction without significant pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms.
Return to Play
- ☐ Good range of motion
- ☐ No significant swelling after training
- ☐ Adequate strength and control
- ☐ Able to tolerate jumping, landing and changes of direction
- ☐ No locking or significant catching
- ☐ Individual assessment if symptoms persist or recur
Severe — Allvarligare skador kan kräva flera månader, särskilt om kirurgisk behandling eller samtidig skada föreligger. Återgången är individuell.
Symptoms
More severe meniscal injuries may cause significant swelling, marked functional loss, locking or inability to fully extend the knee. Such symptoms may indicate a more extensive injury.
Acute Treatment
Stop sports activity and seek medical assessment. Do not force or manipulate a locked knee.
Rehabilitation
The extent of the injury and any associated injuries are assessed. Rehabilitation focuses on range of motion, swelling and basic strength.
Goals
Restore basic knee function.
Progression criteria
Good range of motion and sufficient control for progressive loading.
Strength, running, jumping and changes of direction are progressively reintroduced following medical assessment and any required treatment.
Goals
Restore full function and load tolerance.
Progression criteria
Able to complete relevant strength and football-specific testing without pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms.
Return to Play
- ☐ Good range of motion
- ☐ No significant swelling
- ☐ Adequate strength and control
- ☐ No locking or catching
- ☐ Able to tolerate football-specific loads
- ☐ Medical assessment for major injuries or injuries requiring treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical assessment for persistent or significant knee symptoms after twisting or trauma, particularly with swelling or mechanical symptoms.
- Recurrent swelling
- Knee locking
- Inability to fully extend the knee
- Recurrent catching
- Persistent pain after twisting or trauma
References
- Meniscus Tears — American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/)