Understanding Meniscus Tears: What You Need to Know

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, and it doesn’t always require surgery. With the right care: rest, rehab, and knowing what to watch for, you can help your knee heal, reduce pain, avoid long term damage, and get back to moving with confidence.

Here’s a guide to what the meniscus is and what happens when it’s injured, how tears are diagnosed, what treatment options exist (both non‑surgical and surgical), and tips to protect your knee going forward.

Why the Meniscus Matters

The meniscus is a rubbery, flexible cartilage in each knee (you have two menisci per knee: the medial on the inside, shaped like a “C,” and the lateral on the outside, more U‑shaped).
It helps by:

• Absorbing shock and distributing load in the knee
  
• Providing stability and improving how smoothly your knee moves
  
• Protecting other joint surfaces, reducing long-term wear and tear
  

When it’s damaged or torn, more force ends up hitting other surfaces, especially the cartilage. This can accelerate joint degeneration and potentially lead to arthritis.

How a Meniscus Tear Happens

Meniscus tears can occur in several ways:

• Sudden injuries — like twisting the knee while the foot is planted, or pivoting during sports
  
• Degenerative tears — common in older adults, due to thinning and weakening of the cartilage
  
• Overuse or repetitive stress — from jobs or activities that involve frequent kneeling, squatting, or lifting
  

Recognising the Symptoms

Common signs of a meniscus tear include:

• Localised pain (especially along the joint line)
  
• Swelling or stiffness in the knee
  
• A “locking,” clicking, or catching sensation when moving the knee
  
• Trouble fully straightening or bending the knee
  
• A feeling that your knee might give way

Diagnosing a Meniscus Tear

A thorough exam will usually involve:

• Clinical tests — assessing movement, pain points, and knee function
  
• Imaging — MRI scans are often used to confirm the tear and evaluate severity

Treatment Options

Conservative (Non-Surgical)

Many meniscus tears — especially minor ones — can heal or improve with:

• RICE protocol — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
  
• Activity modification — avoiding painful movements
  
• Allied Health Care — to strengthen the knee and restore movement
  
• Anti-inflammatory treatments — including medication or therapeutic modalities

Surgical

If the tear is large, causing mechanical issues, or doesn’t respond to conservative care, surgery might be considered. This may include:

• Meniscus repair — stitching the tear
  
• Partial meniscectomy — removing the damaged portion
  
• Meniscus transplant — in rare or advanced cases

Recovery & Rehab

Recovery timelines depend on the type and treatment of the tear. Physiotherapy is usually key in both surgical and non-surgical approaches, with a focus on:

• Regaining full range of motion
  
• Strengthening muscles around the knee
  
• Improving balance and joint stability

Protecting Your Knees Long-Term

Reduce your risk of injury or re-injury with these tips:

• Warm up before activity
  
• Strengthen supporting muscles (quads, hamstrings, calves)
  
• Avoid deep squats or twisting movements under load
  
• Use proper technique in sports or lifting
  
• Return to activity gradually after injury

We’re Here to Help

At Chiro & Sports Med, we understand how frustrating knee pain can be — especially when it holds you back from doing the things you love. Whether you’re recovering from a meniscus tear, managing chronic knee issues, or simply want a personalised rehab plan, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Call us at (02) 9817 2005 or Book Online to schedule an appointment and get expert help today.