A meniscus tear is a common injury to the knee that can occur due to sports activities, accidents, or wear and tear due to age. The therapy depends on the severity of the tear and the affected area.
If the tear is small and does not cause symptoms, conservative treatment with immobilization, ice and physical therapy may be sufficient. This may also be recommended for elderly patients or those with other medical problems.
However, if the tear is larger and causes pain or limited motion, surgery may be recommended. Arthroscopic meniscus surgery may be performed to remove or suture the damaged portion of the meniscus.
Postoperative rehabilitation can take weeks to months and usually includes physical therapy to restore knee mobility and strength.
It is important to treat a meniscus tear early to avoid complications such as joint damage or arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment by an experienced orthopedist or sports medicine specialist is therefore recommended.