Stiffness
Type: Symptom
Definition
Difficulty moving the joint due to tightness.
Clinical Details
A torn meniscus causes chronic irritation within the joint capsule, leading to the slow overproduction of synovial fluid, known as an effusion or 'water on the knee.' This fluid buildup causes the knee to feel chronically tight, stiff, and heavy. The swelling is typically gradual, appearing a day or two after the initial twisting injury.