A meniscal tear is a common injury that can occur in the knee joint. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) in the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral) of the joint.
A meniscal tear occurs when there is damage to the meniscus due to a twisting or pivoting motion of the knee. This can happen during sports, such as basketball or soccer, or during activities of daily living, such as lifting a heavy object or getting up from a squatting position
Symptoms of a meniscal tear may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. Treatment options may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the tear and the patient's age, activity level, and overall health.
The treatment for a meniscal tear depends on the severity of the tear, the patient's age, activity level, and overall health.
If the tear is small and not causing significant pain or discomfort, the doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatment options such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and swelling.