What is a Meniscal Injury?
A meniscal injury refers to damage or tearing of the medial or lateral meniscus, the cartilage cushions located between the femur and tibia. These structures help distribute weight across the joint and protect cartilage surfaces. When torn, they cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement.
Also known as a meniscus tear, medial meniscus injury, or lateral meniscus injury, this condition may develop suddenly due to trauma or gradually from age-related cartilage wear.
Meniscal injury can interfere with routine activities, including:
- Pain with twisting, squatting, or stair use
- Clicking or catching sensations in the knee
- Sudden locking or difficulty straightening the knee
- Reduced ability to exercise or participate in sport
- Discomfort when sitting or standing for long periods
Without appropriate non-surgical meniscus tear treatment, symptoms may persist or progress over time.
Understanding the Knee Joint
The knee contains two menisci—medial (inner) and lateral (outer)—that maintain joint alignment and stability. They cushion the knee against repetitive forces during walking, running, and jumping. Injury occurs when forceful rotation or compression overwhelms the tissue.
Tears may be acute, caused by sports or trauma, or degenerative, developing over time with cartilage thinning. Meniscus tears vary in pattern, including radial, horizontal, bucket-handle, and complex tears. Severity and location influence treatment decisions and recovery timelines.
Meniscal Injury Grades / Tear Types
Meniscal injuries are generally categorized by severity and tear pattern:
Stage 1
Irritation / Minor Strain
Meniscus fibers are irritated but intact. Pain appears with specific movements.
Stage 2
Partial Tear
Some fibers are torn. Pain occurs with bending, twisting, and pressure.
Stage 3
Complete Tear
A through-and-through tear disrupts function. Catching or locking may occur.
Stage 4
Displaced / Complex Tear
A fragment may flip or move within the joint. Knee motion may lock suddenly.
Understanding tear severity helps guide appropriate treatment options.
Symptoms of a Meniscal Injury
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or aching pain on one side of the knee
- Pain while twisting, squatting, or pivoting
- Clicking, catching, or popping sensations
- Knee swelling or stiffness
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Feeling of knee instability or weakness
Symptoms That Need Medical Evaluation
- Knee locking or inability to straighten the leg
- Swelling that returns repeatedly after activity
- Severe pain following a twist or fall
- Persistent catching or mechanical blockage
- Difficulty bearing weight without support
Early evaluation improves meniscus tear recovery outcomes and helps avoid unnecessary progression.
Causes and Risk Factors
Meniscal injuries can result from trauma, sudden twisting, hyperflexion, or degeneration. Risk factors include:
Pivoting sports:
Cartilage degeneration:
Previous injury:
Muscle imbalance:
Occupational stress:
Medial meniscus injuries are more common due to its stronger attachment and load-bearing role, while lateral injuries often occur with rotational forces.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Meniscal injury is diagnosed through clinical examination and imaging.
- Assessment of pain location and functional limitation
- Specific tests such as McMurray’s Test and Thessaly Test
- Evaluation of clicking, locking, or joint-line tenderness
- MRI is the gold standard for visualizing tear pattern and severity
- X-rays may be advised to assess associated arthritis or structural issues
Accurate diagnosis guides tear classification and treatment planning.
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments for Meniscal Injury
Most partial tears and degenerative tears can be managed without surgery. Treatment focuses on pain control, tissue healing, and restoring stability.
The Nivaan Way
At Nivaan Pain Clinic, all advanced non-surgical meniscus tear treatments are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precision and safety.
Image-Guided Injections
Regenerative Medicine (PRP Therapy)
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid)
Knee Offloading & Stability Programs
Recovery Support: Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Pain Counselling
Recovery from meniscal injury is most effective when medical care is combined with supportive rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Nutrition Support
Pain Counselling and Emotional Support
Together, these components support long-term knee health and performance.
When to See an Interventional Pain Specialist?
You should consult a specialist if:
- Pain persists for several weeks
- Knee locking or catching increases
- Movement becomes increasingly restricted
- Daily tasks or exercise become difficult
- You want to avoid surgery when possible
Early specialist intervention improves outcomes and reduces risk of long-term instability.
Our Integrated Non-Surgical Care Pathway
At Nivaan Pain Clinic, meniscus tear treatment follows a structured pathway:
- Comprehensive specialist assessment
- Accurate diagnosis and tear classification
- Personalized non-surgical treatment planning
- Guided physiotherapy and recovery monitoring
Book an Appointment for Meniscus Injury Treatment
If twisting, squatting, or daily movement is causing knee pain or locking, early meniscal injury treatment can restore comfort and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many partial and degenerative tears can improve with non-surgical care.
Recovery timelines vary, typically over weeks to months depending on tear type.
Yes, when guided and adjusted to avoid mechanical irritation.
MRI is recommended for complex or persistent cases to guide treatment.
Surgery is considered for displaced tears, mechanical locking, or treatment-resistant cases.