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Meniscus Tear

What is a Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear is a prevalent knee injury characterized by damage to the menisci, two crescent-shaped cartilage discs that cushion and stabilize the knee joint. These rubbery structures can tear due to sudden twisting movements, sports activities, or wear and tear over time. When torn, they cause pain, swelling, and stiffness and often restrict the knee’s full range of motion. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term joint damage.

Common Symptoms of Meniscus Tear:

  • Knee pain, especially along the joint’s edge
  • Swelling and inflammation around the knee
  • Stiffness, making it difficult to fully extend or flex the knee
  • A popping or clicking sensation during movement
  • Difficulty in bearing weight on the affected knee
  • Limited range of motion, with the knee feeling locked or unstable
  • Pain worsens when twisting or rotating the knee
  • Gradual onset of symptoms in chronic tears or sudden and intense pain in acute tears

Potential Causes of Meniscus Tear:

• Sudden and forceful twisting of the knee, often during sports or athletic activities
• Direct trauma or impact to the knee joint, such as a tackle or a fall
• Age-related degeneration and weakening of the meniscus
• Repetitive stress on the knee joint, especially while squatting, lifting, or pivoting
• Genetic predisposition to naturally weaker menisci

Treatment Options for Meniscus Tear

If you suspect a meniscus tear, the first step is a thorough evaluation at Westlake Sports Medicine. We begin with a detailed physical exam to assess your knee’s mobility, stability, and areas of tenderness. If needed, we may order advanced imaging such as an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and better understand the location and severity of the tear.

Once we’ve gathered the right information, we’ll develop a personalized, conservative treatment plan focused on healing, reducing pain, and restoring full function—without rushing to surgery whenever possible.

Regenerative Medicine

In some cases, we may recommend regenerative therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or exosome-based treatments to support healing from the inside out. PRP uses concentrated components from your own blood—rich in growth factors—to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair in the affected joint. Exosome therapy delivers powerful cellular messengers that can enhance regeneration and improve joint function.

These advanced, non-surgical options are designed to promote long-term recovery and may be ideal for patients seeking alternatives to medication or more invasive procedures.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, our approach to meniscus injuries focuses on whole-body healing—not just symptom relief. We often incorporate targeted physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, improve joint stability, and reduce mechanical stress on the meniscus.

In addition, we may recommend nutritional strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and evidencebased supplements to support your body’s natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term joint health.

Last Resort: Arthroscopic Surgery

When conservative treatments aren’t sufficient—or if the tear is more severe—we may discuss arthroscopic surgery as a final option. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera and specialized instruments to either trim or repair the damaged meniscus, depending on the type and location of the tear.

At Westlake Sports Medicine, surgery is always considered a last resort, reserved for cases where non-operative care has been fully explored and proven ineffective.

Meniscus Tear FAQs

A meniscus tear is often caused by twisting or rotating the knee forcefully, especially during sports or physical activities. It can also occur due to aging and degeneration of the cartilage, making it more susceptible to tears from minor movements.
A meniscus tear is diagnosed through a physical examination where the doctor assesses knee movement, stability, and pain. Imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays may be used to confirm the tear and determine its severity.
Small meniscus tears may heal on their own with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy. However, larger or more severe tears often require medical intervention, including surgery, to fully recover.
Recovery time after meniscus tear surgery varies but typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks for minor surgeries like partial meniscectomy. More extensive surgeries, such as meniscus repair, may require 3 to 6 months for full recovery, depending on individual factors.
Physical therapy aids recovery by strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion.
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