Greater Manchester


Meniscus Tear Treatment

What is a Meniscal Tear?

This a tear of one or both rubbery discs within the knee called the menisci that provide cushioning and stability to the knee joint.

What Causes a Meniscal Tear? 

It is usually injured when the knee is twisted too quickly with the knee bent and foot fixed on the floor.  It can also tear if lifting something very heavy and is more easily torn as you get older.  In severe cases, it may be part of a complex injury including damage to the anterior cruciate and medial ligaments.

What are the Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear?

With minor tears, you may have slight pain and swelling that resolves within a few weeks.  With moderate tears, the pain will be more significant and you are likely to develop swelling that worsens over a few days. This will cause stiffness and reduced mobility of the knee.  You may feel sharp pains if twisting or squatting.  The symptoms may ease within a few weeks but may recur if putting the knee under greater stress. In severe tears, the above symptoms will be more severe but the meniscus may move causing the knee to lock or give way which requires surgical repair.

What will treatment consist of for a Meniscal Tear?



Mobilisation – A manual technique where the joint and soft tissues are gently moved by the therapist to restore normal range, lubricate joint surfaces and relieve pain.



What other treatments could be used for a Meniscal Tear?




What can you do yourself to help a Meniscal Tear?

Active Rest – Keep active but avoid activities that aggravate your condition i.e. any activity that may put a twisting strain on the knee.





What if physiotherapy does not help or resolve a Meniscal Tear?

If a short course of physiotherapy does not significantly improve the condition we will refer you on for further investigation.

