Meniscus Tear —
Symptoms & Treatment
Understanding meniscus tears — what causes them, how they're diagnosed, and your treatment options from non-surgical care to surgery.
About Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage disc that cushions and stabilizes the knee. Each knee has two — the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) meniscus. Meniscus tears are one of the most frequently occurring knee injuries, affecting people of all ages and activity levels.
Acute tears typically occur in younger, active patients from a twisting injury during sport. Degenerative tears develop gradually in older patients as the cartilage weakens over time and can tear from minimal trauma or even everyday activities.
Symptoms
- Pain along the inner or outer knee joint line
- Swelling that develops gradually over 24–48 hours
- Stiffness and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
- A catching, clicking, or locking sensation with movement
- Feeling of the knee "giving way" or being unstable
- Pain with twisting, squatting, or climbing stairs
Can a Meniscus Tear Heal Without Surgery?
It depends on the tear type and location. Tears in the outer third of the meniscus (the "red zone") have a blood supply and can sometimes heal with conservative treatment — rest, ice, physical therapy, and time. These tears are also most amenable to surgical repair.
Tears in the inner two-thirds (the "white zone") have poor blood supply and do not heal on their own. However, many of these tears in older or less active patients can be managed successfully without surgery if symptoms are mild.
Knee pain that won't go away?
A meniscus tear that's left untreated can accelerate arthritis. Get evaluated early.