Torn Meniscus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Torn Meniscus?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems, usually treats a torn meniscus. A sports medicine doctor or a physical therapist may also help with care and recovery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a torn meniscus?
A torn meniscus is a tear in the cartilage of the knee. The knee has two wedge-shaped pieces of this cartilage, called the menisci. They act as shock absorbers between the thighbone and the shinbone. They also help pass weight from one bone to the other and keep the knee stable.
Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries. Athletes who play contact sports are at risk, but anyone at any age can tear the meniscus. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they usually mean a torn meniscus.
Symptoms
You might feel a pop when the meniscus tears. Most people can still walk on the injured knee. Over 2 to 3 days, the knee gradually becomes stiffer and more swollen. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain.
- Stiffness and swelling.
- Catching or locking of the knee.
- The knee giving way.
- Trouble moving the knee through its full range of motion.
Causes and who gets it
A meniscus can tear from a sudden injury or from wear over time. Sudden tears often happen during sports, in a pivoting or cutting move. They can happen with or without contact from another player. A sports injury to the meniscus often happens along with other knee injuries, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
As people age, they are more likely to have worn-down tears. Aged, worn tissue tears more easily. An awkward twist when getting up from a chair may be enough.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and then examine your knee. Tenderness along the joint line where the meniscus sits often points to a tear.
Other knee injuries can cause similar symptoms, so your doctor may order imaging tests. An X-ray cannot show a meniscus tear, but it can show other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis. An MRI shows soft tissues, including the meniscus. It is the preferred test for diagnosing tears from an injury.
Treatment
Treatment depends on your age, symptoms, and activity level. It also depends on the type, size, and place of the tear. The outer third of the meniscus has a rich blood supply, so a tear there may heal on its own or can often be repaired with surgery. The inner two-thirds has little blood supply, so tears there cannot heal.
Many tears do not need immediate surgery. If you have no locking or swelling, your doctor may suggest nonsurgical care. This starts with the RICE steps:
- Rest from the activity that caused the injury.
- Ice, using cold packs for 20 minutes at a time.
- Compression with an elastic bandage.
- Elevation, with your leg higher than your heart.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen help with pain and swelling. Your doctor may also suggest a steroid injection into the knee. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve movement and strength.
If symptoms last despite nonsurgical care, your doctor may suggest arthroscopic surgery. The surgeon puts a small camera and tools through small cuts in the knee. A partial meniscectomy trims away the damaged tissue and takes about 3 to 6 weeks to heal. A repair stitches the torn pieces together and takes about 3 to 6 months. Physical therapy after surgery is important for a good recovery.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if knee pain stops you from doing normal activities or affects your sleep. Also go if the pain gets worse or keeps coming back, if home care does not help, or if your knee is stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up.
Get an urgent appointment if you have very bad knee pain after a fall or injury or cannot put weight on the knee. The same goes for skin around the knee that is swollen and hot, knee pain with a high temperature, or a leg you cannot bend or straighten.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your knee has moved out of place, changed shape, or points at an odd angle. Go right away, too, if you have tingling or no feeling in your knee, leg, or toes.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can examine the knee, order imaging tests, and help you manage pain at home. They can also refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist and follow your recovery.
Common questions
Can a torn meniscus heal on its own?
Sometimes it can. A tear in the outer third of the meniscus, which has a rich blood supply, may heal on its own. Tears in the inner two-thirds cannot heal because that part has limited blood flow.
Do I need surgery for a torn meniscus?
Not always. Many tears do not need immediate surgery. Your doctor may suggest it if symptoms last despite nonsurgical treatment.
How long does recovery take after meniscus surgery?
It depends on the surgery. Rehabilitation takes about 3 to 6 weeks after a partial meniscectomy and about 3 to 6 months after a meniscus repair.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Meniscus Tears
- NHS - Meniscus tear (knee cartilage damage)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
