Which symptoms are commonly associated with a knee meniscus tear?

A knee meniscus tear frequently presents with a specific set of symptoms that are key for diagnosis. One of the hallmark signs of this injury is pain that intensifies with twisting movements of the knee, as the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone, can become torn during such actions. Additionally, swelling is a common reaction to the injury, as it indicates inflammation in response to the damage.

Joint locking is another significant symptom associated with meniscus tears. This occurs when a torn fragment of the cartilage gets caught in the knee joint, preventing full range of motion and causing the knee to "lock" in place momentarily. The presence of these symptoms—swelling, pain with twisting motions, and joint locking—helps differentiate meniscus tears from other knee injuries, making this option the most reflective of the typical clinical picture.

Other options include symptoms that do not align closely with a classic meniscus injury presentation, such as numbness or a persistent clicking sound, which while they can occur, are not definitive for a meniscus tear alone.