Treatment for Meniscus Tears and Injuries
At Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, our experienced joint specialists offer top-of-the-line treatments for meniscus tears and injuries, relieving pain and restoring knee mobility.
Located between the shinbone and the thighbone, the meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber, providing cushion and stability for the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci – the medial meniscus on the inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus on the outside. Each of these help distribute weight and protect the bones from wear and tear during movement.
One of the most common sports injuries, a torn meniscus can cause severe pain and a stiff or swollen knee. Other common signs of a tear include an inability to fully bend or straighten the leg and feeling like the knee may give out entirely. Meniscus tears can happen suddenly during twisting or pivoting movements, especially in sports, or gradually over time due to age-related degeneration of the cartilage.
In addition to tears, the meniscus can experience other types of injuries and irritation. Sudden movements or direct impact can lead to meniscus sprains or strains, where the cartilage and surrounding supportive tissues become overstretched or inflamed. Even minor injuries can disrupt how the knee absorbs shock and maintains stability, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair uncomfortable.
At Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, our trusted joint specialists offer comprehensive care for meniscus tears and other injuries. Depending on the type, size, and location of the tear – as well as your age, activity level, and goals – treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissue.
Potential Benefits of Meniscus Tear Treatment
Treatment for a torn meniscus and other injuries offers long-lasting relief and improved knee mobility. Other potential benefits may include:
- Reduced pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Improved knee stability and range of motion
- Restored ability to walk, run, and return to sports
- Lowered risk of further cartilage damage
Appropriate treatment – whether nonsurgical or surgical – can help protect the knee joint and support long-term mobility and function.
Is Meniscus Tear Treatment Right for You?
At Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, our joint specialists take the time to understand how your knee pain is affecting your life. We carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, imaging results, and activity goals to determine the most effective treatment approach.
Meniscus treatment may be right for individuals experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling that doesn’t improve, limited range of motion, or mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching in the joint. Whether you are an athlete hoping to return to sport or someone simply wanting to move comfortably again, our team will guide you through every step of your care.
When to Consider Torn Meniscus Surgery
While many meniscus injuries improve with rest, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist or interfere with daily life. Surgical treatment is often considered for larger tears, injuries that limit knee stability, or cases where nonsurgical care hasn’t provided enough relief.
Patients who want to return to sports, physically demanding work, or an active lifestyle may also benefit from surgical repair or trimming of the damaged cartilage. At CSMO, our specialists carefully evaluate the location and severity of the tear, along with your activity goals, to determine whether minimally invasive meniscus surgery is the best path toward long-term knee health.
Step Into a Pain-Free Future
You don’t have to live with ongoing knee pain or instability. Contact Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced joint specialists. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you move with greater comfort, confidence, and strength.