A meniscus tear is a rupture in the meniscus, which is the cartilage that cushions the knee and helps keep it stable. This injury can cause pain in the front or side of the knee, along with difficulty walking, climbing, or going down stairs.

Meniscus tears are most common in athletes who run, play soccer, or do gymnastics, but they can also occur in people who are overweight or who have arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Treatment for a meniscus tear should be guided by an orthopedic doctor, who may recommend rest, elastic bandages or crutches, physical therapy, and, in more severe cases, surgery.

doctor reviewing x-ray with older adult male sitting on exam table

Meniscus tear symptoms

The main symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

Pain in the front or side of the knee;
Increased pain when climbing or descending stairs;
A feeling that the knee is locking or unstable;
Swelling or popping sounds in the knee;
Difficulty walking, standing up, kneeling, or squatting.

Pain from a meniscus tear is typically localized and can worsen over time. It’s important to see an orthopedic surgeon if you have symptoms of a meniscus tear so the condition can be properly diagnosed and the right treatment started.

Confirming a diagnosis

A meniscus tear is diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon or knee specialist based on a physical exam and the person’s symptoms.

The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Possible causes

The main causes of a meniscus tear include:

A direct blow to the knee;
Sports such as running, soccer, basketball, tennis, or gymnastics;
Lifting or carrying heavy weights;
Pivoting or turning on one leg;
Performing very deep squats;
Lifting heavy weights using the legs;
Twisting the foot while walking.

Meniscus tears can also occur in older adults due to joint wear and tear or reduced blood flow to the area.

Other possible causes include bone or ligament injuries in the knee and having overweight or obesity, arthritis, or osteoarthritis.

Treatment options

Treatment for a meniscus tear should be managed by an orthopedic surgeon with the goal of reducing symptoms and promoting healing of the cartilage.

1. Rest

Rest is essential to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

In the case of athletes, a doctor may recommend relative rest, allowing moderate physical activity without impact and adjusting intensity according to pain levels.

For complex tears that cause joint locking or when the injury is accompanied by cartilage wear (especially in older adults) the doctor may recommend using assistive devices, such as crutches, to reduce pressure on the knee.

Rest should always be combined with strengthening exercises and physical therapy to prevent muscle weakness.

2. Cold compresses

Applying cold compresses to the knee can help relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by a meniscus tear.

To prepare a cold compress, place ice in a thermal bag or put a gel pack in the freezer. Wrap it in a clean, dry towel and apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a day.

3. Knee compression

Compression may be recommended by the orthopedic surgeon to help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and increase stability in the joint.

It can be done using an elastic bandage, knee brace, or compression sleeve.

The duration and tightness of the compression should be determined by a doctor, depending on the severity of the injury.

4. Elevating the leg

Keeping the leg elevated above heart level can help improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and reduce knee swelling.

This can be done by lying down and resting the leg on pillows or cushions.

5. Medications

Medication may be prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon to relieve pain and inflammation.

Common options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Topical anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac sodium (Voltaren), can also be used to help control pain. Read more about indications and dosing for diclofenac.

These medications should only be used as prescribed and may also be recommended following surgery to aid in recovery.

6. Corticosteroid injections

A corticosteroid injection may be administered directly into the knee joint to relieve pain and swelling.

Cortisone, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, is commonly used and can provide quick pain relief.

This treatment can be helpful in both acute and chronic cases, with effects lasting about a month.

Many clinicians limit knee injections to three or four per year, spaced several months apart, to lower the risk of cartilage damage.

7. Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps restore strength, stability, and flexibility to the affected knee while reducing pain and inflammation.

Treatment should be guided by a physical therapist and may include lymphatic drainage massage and specific exercises to strengthen and mobilize the knee.

8. Meniscus tear surgery

Surgery may be necessary for severe tears or when other treatments fail to relieve symptoms.

The procedure is usually performed arthroscopically to remove or repair the damaged tissue in the meniscus.

Hospitalization is typically not required, and recovery time ranges from two weeks to two months.

Physical therapy sessions are essential to restore mobility and strength after surgery.

9. Meniscus transplant

A meniscus transplant is a rare surgical option that may be considered for severe injuries or when previous surgeries have not relieved symptoms.

This procedure involves replacing the damaged meniscus with one from a compatible deceased donor.

10. Diet and nutrition

During recovery from a meniscus tear, it’s important to avoid foods high in sugar and increase the intake of protein-rich foods to support tissue repair.

Staying well-hydrated also helps maintain proper joint lubrication.

Avoid fast food, soft drinks, and fried foods to prevent weight gain, which can delay recovery and add extra strain to the knee joint.

Recovery and warning signs

Signs of improvement usually appear soon after starting treatment and following medical and physical therapy recommendations, including rest and prescribed exercises.

If left untreated, a meniscus tear can worsen, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility. In these cases, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications may be needed long-term.

A severe or untreated meniscus tear can also increase the risk of early-onset knee arthritis.

Meniscus Tear: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment