About meniscus tears
Each knee has two menisci, C-shaped pads of tough cartilage that cushion and stabilize the joint between the thigh bone and shin bone. A tear can happen suddenly with a twist or deep squat, or slowly over time as the meniscus becomes more fragile with age.
Wear-related, or degenerative, tears are very common in adults and often appear on MRI in people who have no pain at all. For these tears, conservative care usually works as well as surgery for many people. Acute tears in younger athletes are more likely to benefit from a surgical opinion, especially if the knee catches or locks.
Our job is to sort out which kind of tear you have, whether it is truly the source of your pain, and what will get you back to your activities.
Common symptoms
- Pain at the inner or outer edge of the knee, along the gap between the bones
- Swelling that develops over hours to a day after an injury or activity
- Pain with twisting, pivoting, or deep squatting
- Catching or clicking inside the knee
- Locking, where the knee gets stuck and cannot fully straighten
Common causes and risk factors
- Twisting or pivoting on a planted foot during sport
- Deep squatting or kneeling, especially under load
- Age-related changes that make the meniscus more fragile
- Knee arthritis, which often occurs alongside degenerative tears
How we diagnose it
Dr. Gruner examines the knee for joint-line tenderness, swelling, and mechanical symptoms, and uses diagnostic ultrasound at the exam table to look for fluid, a displaced edge of the meniscus, or a Baker's cyst. Ultrasound shows the outer part of the meniscus, while MRI is ordered when we need a full view of the tear or when surgery is being considered.
How Propel treats meniscus tears
For most degenerative tears, we start with a progressive strength program for the thigh, hip, and calf, along with activity changes that keep you moving. Swelling and flares can be calmed with an ultrasound-guided injection so rehab can continue.
When pain persists, Dr. Gruner may discuss orthobiologic injections, including PRP or microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT; your own fat tissue, gently processed). These do not rebuild the meniscus, but they may ease pain and improve function, particularly when arthritis is also present. A locked knee, a large displaced tear, or a traumatic tear in a young athlete calls for a surgical opinion, and we help coordinate that referral.
Watch: Meniscus Tears explained
More videos
The common reasons a knee hurts when bending or squatting, and what each one needs.Featuring Dr. Gruner
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Questions about meniscus tears
- Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
- Tears in the outer edge of the meniscus, which has a better blood supply, have some ability to heal. Tears in the inner portion rarely heal, but many still become much less painful with rehab and time.
- What are signs that a meniscus tear needs surgery?
- A knee that locks, cannot fully straighten, or repeatedly gives way from a mechanical block should be evaluated by a surgeon. Large traumatic tears in younger, active people are also more likely to benefit from surgical repair.
- Is an MRI always needed for a meniscus tear?
- Not always. Many degenerative tears are managed based on the exam and ultrasound, since the treatment plan would not change. MRI is most helpful when surgery is being considered or when symptoms do not match the expected course.