What Is a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury involving damage to the cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), helping distribute weight and protect the joint surfaces.
Meniscus tears can occur suddenly during sports or physical activity or develop gradually from age-related wear and degeneration. The injury may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee comfortably.
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained knee and sports medicine specialists provide advanced diagnosis and treatment options designed to restore knee function and help patients return to their normal activities safely.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
- Knee pain or tenderness
- Swelling and stiffness
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the knee
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Knee instability or weakness
- Pain during twisting or squatting movements
- Reduced range of motion
Causes & Risk Factors
Meniscus tears commonly occur from twisting or rotating the knee while bearing weight.
- Sports involving pivoting or sudden direction changes
- Squatting or heavy lifting motions
- Direct trauma to the knee
- Age-related cartilage degeneration
- Previous knee injuries
- High-impact physical activity
- Arthritis-related joint wear
Diagnosis
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation of the knee joint and surrounding structures.
- Physical examination of the knee
- Assessment of swelling, stability, and mobility
- Review of symptoms and injury history
- X-rays to evaluate joint changes and rule out fractures
- MRI imaging to confirm meniscus damage and associated injuries
Proper diagnosis is important because meniscus tears may occur alongside ACL injuries, arthritis, or cartilage damage.
Treatment Options for Meniscus Tears
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many meniscus tears improve with conservative treatment depending on the size, location, and severity of the injury. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
- Activity modification
- Knee bracing when needed
- Corticosteroid injections in select cases
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended for larger tears, persistent symptoms, or mechanical locking of the knee. Arthroscopic surgery may be used to repair or remove damaged cartilage while preserving as much healthy meniscus tissue as possible. Our orthopedic surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques designed to support recovery and long-term knee health.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the tear and the treatment approach used.
- Mild tears may improve within weeks to months with rehabilitation
- Physical therapy is important for restoring strength and knee stability
- Surgical recovery may require several weeks to months depending on the procedure
- Gradual return to sports and activity is recommended during healing
Our team works closely with patients throughout rehabilitation to help restore knee mobility, function, and confidence while reducing reinjury risk.
Why Choose Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists?
Local Care, Close to Home
We proudly serve patients throughout Delaware and nearby communities, including Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, Stanton, North Wilmington, and Chadds Ford. Our knee and sports medicine specialists provide advanced orthopedic care close to home.
At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained physicians provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for meniscus injuries and other knee conditions.
- Experienced knee and sports medicine specialists
- Advanced imaging and cartilage evaluation
- Comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatment options
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques
- Convenient locations throughout Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists today to receive expert diagnosis and treatment for a meniscus tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a meniscus tear feel like?
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, locking sensations, and difficulty twisting or bending the knee.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Some tears improve with rest, rehabilitation, and conservative care, though larger or unstable tears may require surgery.
How long does recovery take after meniscus surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure, but many patients require several weeks to months of rehabilitation.
What causes a meniscus tear?
Meniscus tears commonly occur from twisting injuries, sports activities, heavy lifting, or age-related degeneration.
When should I see a specialist?
If knee pain, swelling, locking, or instability interferes with walking, exercise, or daily activities, it is important to seek orthopedic evaluation.