Meniscus Tear Treatment
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries—especially in active individuals like runners, gymgoers, and athletes. But it’s not limited to sports. Degenerative changes make older adults just as vulnerable. In this blog, we explore the best approaches to meniscus tear treatment, prevention strategies backed by clinical research, and what to do (and avoid) for lasting recovery—drawing on guidance from NICE and BMJ Best Practice
NICE guidance on meniscus tear treatment: Partial replacement of the meniscus of the knee using a biodegradable scaffold
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg430/evidence/overview-pdf-438715405
BMJ Best Practice overview of meniscal tears: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/826
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage that cushions and stabilises the knee joint. There are two in each knee: one medial (inner) and one lateral (outer). Tears typically result from a twisting injury or prolonged wear-and-tear.
Common symptoms include:
- Localised knee pain, especially along the joint line
- Swelling and stiffness
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee
Meniscus Tear Treatment: What the Evidence Says
According to NICE guidance and BMJ Best Practice, treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the tear.
Conservative management is suitable for:
- Small, stable tears
- Patients without mechanical symptoms
This approach includes:
- Physiotherapy for muscle strengthening and neuromuscular control
- Relative rest and load management
- Ice, compression, and elevation in early stages
- Gradual return to activity
Surgical intervention may be necessary for:
- Complex or bucket-handle tears
- Failed conservative treatment
- Locking or mechanical knee symptoms
Options range from meniscectomy (removal of damaged tissue) to meniscal repair. Newer techniques like scaffolds and meniscus transplantation are considered in select cases to preserve joint health and delay osteoarthritis.
Do’s and Don’ts: Rehab and Recovery
Do:
- Stick to your physiotherapist’s rehab plan
- Strengthen your quads, hamstrings, and glutes
- Include balance and coordination drills
- Use proper footwear and warm-up before activities
Don’t:
- Resume high-impact exercise too soon
- Ignore clicking, catching, or swelling
- Skip rehab sessions or neglect strength training
- Rely on rest alone—movement (with guidance) is key
How to Prevent Future Meniscus Injuries
While some tears are unavoidable, especially with ageing, you can reduce your risk with:
- Strong leg and core muscles to support joint stability
- Good technique in sport, exercise, and lifting
- Adequate warm-up and recovery routines
- Avoidance of sudden twists or pivoting on uneven ground
- Footwear that matches your activity and biomechanics
When to Seek Immediate Help
Certain red flags suggest more serious injury or complication. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Sudden or complete inability to bear weight
- Severe, rapidly developing swelling
- A knee that locks and can’t move
- Fever, chills, or redness near the joint (infection risk)
- Numbness or tingling down the leg
- Injury from major trauma (e.g. a fall or car accident)
These symptoms may indicate ligament rupture, nerve involvement, or joint infection.
A Real-World Example: Mark’s Recovery Journey
Mark, 42, was enjoying a weekend trail run when he twisted his knee on a slope and heard a distinct “pop.” Initially, he walked it off—but by morning, his knee was swollen and painful, and he struggled to bear weight. A&E evaluation revealed a complex medial meniscus tear, but no ligament damage.
Under the care of our physiotherapist, Mark followed a progressive rehab programme focused on strengthening and mobility. After 10 weeks, he returned to light jogging, confident and pain-free—without surgery. His case highlights the importance of early intervention and tailored rehab.
Explore More Injury Prevention Tips
- Calf Strain: Prevention and Recovery
- Ankle Sprain Prevention for Active Lifestyles
These articles offer guidance on common lower-limb conditions, perfect for those on a return-to-sport journey.
Ready to Heal Smarter?
Suspect a meniscus tear or struggling with knee pain? Book a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment at Ellie Physiotherapy Manchester. Our experienced team will assess your injury and create a personalised recovery plan to get you moving with confidence.
Book an Appointment at www.elliephysiotherapy.co.uk or call us at T:07539441325