Meniscus Tears – Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options
Overview
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee joint. Each knee contains two — one on the inside (medial meniscus) and one on the outside (lateral meniscus). These shock-absorbing structures protect the joint surfaces and help distribute weight evenly during movement.
When the meniscus tears, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee. Tears may occur suddenly during sports or develop gradually with age as cartilage weakens.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive expert evaluation and tailored treatment for meniscus injuries — from conservative therapy to minimally invasive surgical repair.
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage is damaged or split due to twisting, pivoting, or forceful impact. These injuries are extremely common among athletes but can also affect older adults whose cartilage has weakened over time.
Types of meniscus tears include:
- Radial tear: Extends from the inner edge toward the outer margin.
- Horizontal tear: Splits the meniscus along its layers.
- Complex tear: A combination of multiple tear patterns.
- Flap or bucket-handle tear: A portion of the meniscus flips over, blocking joint motion.
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Tears can occur suddenly during movement or gradually from repetitive stress, and their location determines healing potential — outer edge tears often heal naturally due to better blood supply, while inner tears may require surgical repair.
Causes and Risk Factors
Meniscus tears can happen to anyone, but certain activities and conditions increase the risk.
Common causes include:
- Sudden twisting or pivoting: Common in sports such as basketball, soccer, or tennis.
- Squatting or deep knee bending: Overstretches the cartilage.
- Direct impact: A fall, collision, or trauma to the knee.
- Degenerative wear: Age-related thinning of the cartilage.
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Risk Factors include:
- High-impact activity or overtraining
- Aging and natural cartilage degeneration
- Obesity, which increases joint stress
- Poor muscle balance or flexibility
- Previous knee injuries
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Symptoms
Meniscus tear symptoms may appear immediately after injury or develop over several days.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain along the inner or outer side of the knee
- Swelling or stiffness that worsens after activity
- Locking, catching, or clicking sensations
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the leg
- Feeling that the knee “gives way” under pressure
- A popping sound at the time of injury
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Swelling often appears within the first 24–48 hours, and some tears cause the knee to “lock” in a bent position.
Diagnosis
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, uses advanced diagnostic techniques to confirm a meniscus tear and determine the best course of treatment.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history: Reviewing activity level, injury mechanism, and symptom onset.
- Physical examination: Specific tests like McMurray’s or Thessaly’s maneuver reproduce the pain and detect mechanical catching.
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Imaging studies:
- X-rays: Rule out bone fractures or arthritis.
- MRI: Provides detailed visualization of the meniscus, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues.
- Ultrasound: Detects effusion or inflammation around the knee.
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Accurate diagnosis ensures personalized treatment for optimal recovery.
Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics
Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics
Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, as well as patient age and activity level. The goal is to relieve pain, restore motion, and prevent long-term damage.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to control swelling.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce pain and inflammation.
- Bracing: Stabilizes the knee during healing.
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- Strengthening and stretching exercises to restore range of motion and improve joint stability.
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- Platelet-rich plasma injections stimulate cartilage repair and enhance natural healing, especially in mild or degenerative tears.
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Surgical Treatments
Surgery is rarely required, but in chronic cases where symptoms persist beyond several months of structured care, Dr. Burke may recommend a minimally invasive procedure.
Surgical options:
- Dr. Burke specializes in advanced, minimally invasive techniques including:
- When symptoms persist or the tear is severe, surgical repair may be required.
- Uses small incisions and a camera-guided scope to repair or trim the torn cartilage.
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- Partial Meniscectomy: Removes the damaged portion of the meniscus to relieve mechanical catching.
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- For patients with significant cartilage loss or chronic damage.
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These techniques aim to preserve as much natural cartilage as possible while restoring full function.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery varies depending on the treatment approach and tear severity.
Typical recovery timelines:- Conservative treatment: 4–6 weeks with physical therapy and bracing.
- Arthroscopic repair: 3–6 months for full recovery and return to activity.
- Partial meniscectomy: 6–8 weeks for most daily movements.
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Rehabilitation goals:
- Control swelling and restore knee motion
- Strengthen surrounding muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves)
- Improve balance and coordination
- Gradually return to weight-bearing and sports activities
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At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, individualized rehabilitation plans ensure safe and lasting recovery.
Long-Term Outlook and Prevention
With proper treatment, most patients recover full strength and mobility. However, untreated meniscus tears can lead to chronic pain, instability, or early-onset arthritis.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up and stretch before activity
- Strengthen leg muscles for better knee support
- Avoid deep squatting or twisting with a bent knee
- Wear supportive footwear
- Address minor knee pain early to prevent further damage
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Long-term management focuses on protecting the cartilage and preventing reinjury.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should seek orthopedic evaluation if:
- Knee pain or swelling persists longer than a few days
- The joint locks, catches, or gives way
- You experience stiffness or limited mobility
- You heard a “pop” during injury
- Conservative care hasn’t relieved your symptoms
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Early diagnosis and treatment improve recovery outcomes and protect joint health.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If knee pain, locking, or swelling is keeping you from moving freely, expert orthopedic care can help.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating meniscus tears with precision, using advanced arthroscopic and regenerative techniques to restore knee strength and function.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, providing comprehensive care for all levels of knee injury — from athletes to active adults.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in cartilage and sports injuries.
