An older adult with knee symptoms and swelling is most likely to have which condition?

• A. Osteoarthritis
• B. Knee effusion
• C. Meniscal tear
• D. Ligament sprain

Answer: (C)

In older adults, swelling with knee symptoms is most consistent with a degenerative meniscal tear. Age-related wear makes the meniscus prone to tearing, and even a minor twist or strain can trigger irritation of the joint lining and fluid buildup, leading to swelling. You may also notice joint-line tenderness and sometimes catching or locking, which are classic clues pointing to a meniscal issue.

Osteoarthritis is very common in this age group, but its typical picture leans toward chronic pain, stiffness after rest that improves with movement, crepitus, and sometimes bony enlargements, rather than swelling being the defining feature. A ligament sprain usually follows a clear injury event and presents with immediate instability or weakness. A knee effusion describes the swelling itself but isn’t a diagnosis in isolation.