Torn Meniscus: What It Is, How It Happens, and How We Treat It

Understand what a meniscus tear is, the symptoms to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and available treatment options. Learn when it’s best to see a specialist and what recovery typically involves so you can make informed decisions about your knee health.

A torn meniscus is a common knee injury that affects the cartilage pads that cushion your thigh bone and shin bone. You may get one from twisting your knee during sports or from gradual wear as you get older. Symptoms and treatments vary, and we walk through what you can expect at each step.

---

Quick Facts You Should Know

What a Meniscus Tear May Feel Like

Common Ways Meniscus Tears Occur

Tears usually come from one of two patterns. Younger people often tear their meniscus during a forceful twist, pivot, or tackle. Older adults may develop a tear from gradual wear as the cartilage weakens with age.

• Traumatic injury during sports or a fall.
• Twisting the knee while the foot is planted.
• Degenerative changes that make the meniscus fragile over time.
• Repetitive squatting or kneeling that stresses the cartilage.

Treatment Options: What to Expect

Treatment depends on your symptoms, the tear type and location, your age, and your activity goals. We focus on relieving pain, restoring function, and protecting long term joint health.

Nonoperative Care

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to control pain and swelling.
• Anti inflammatory medication if appropriate and recommended by your provider.
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the knee and improve movement patterns.
• Activity modification to avoid motions that make symptoms worse while you recover.

Procedures and Surgery

If symptoms persist or there is a mechanical block in the knee, we may recommend arthroscopic surgery. Two common approaches are meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy.

• Meniscal repair aims to sew the torn pieces back together when healing potential is good. It preserves meniscus tissue and helps protect the joint long term.
• Partial meniscectomy trims the damaged portion when repair is not possible. This often reduces symptoms quickly but removes some cushioning.

Typical Recovery Timelines

Recovery varies based on the treatment chosen and the tear itself. Below are common timelines to help set expectations.

Treatment	Usual Recovery	Notes
Conservative care	Several weeks to a few months	Many people improve with therapy and activity changes.
Partial meniscectomy	4 to 8 weeks for many daily activities	Return to sports may be faster but depends on rehab and surgeon guidance.
Meniscal repair	3 to 6 months	Requires protected rehab to allow healing of the repaired tissue.

When You Should See a Specialist

• If your knee locks or you can not fully straighten it.
• If swelling or pain does not improve with a few weeks of rest and therapy.
• If you have persistent instability or can not return to your normal activities.

Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk

• Keep leg muscles strong, especially your quadriceps and hamstrings.
• Practice balance and agility drills to reduce awkward twists.
• Use proper footwear and replace shoes when they wear out.
• Warm up before activity and avoid sudden increases in activity level.

If you want help protecting your knee or recovering from a meniscus tear, schedule an exam with one of our specialists. We personalize care so you can get back to your life with confidence.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.