Knee pain, especially along the inner or outer joint line
Swelling that develops within hours or over a day or two
Pain that worsens with twisting, squatting, or turning
Clicking, popping, or catching in the knee
Feeling like the knee is locking or getting stuck
Trouble fully straightening or bending the knee
A feeling of instability or the knee giving way
Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling
Tenderness when pressing along the joint line
Symptoms starting after a twist, pivot, or sudden change in direction
Symptoms lasting more than a few days or not improving with rest
A doctor’s exam showing joint-line tenderness, swelling, or a positive meniscus test
MRI findings confirming a tear