Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear can cause knee pain, swelling or catching. Learn about tear types, diagnosis and care options with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is damage to the cartilage cushion inside the knee. It may occur after a twisting injury or develop gradually with age. Treatment depends on the tear pattern and location, symptoms, knee stability, and underlying arthritis. Many degenerative tears can begin with rehabilitation rather than immediate surgery; a truly locked knee needs prompt assessment.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Knee condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

What are treatment options for a meniscus tear?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland reviews whether the tear is traumatic or degenerative and whether the symptoms suggest a repairable injury, arthritis, or another source. For selected cases, he may discuss PRP treatment or cellular orthobiologics (BMAC/MFAT) as part of a non-surgical plan; these options are not appropriate for every tear and evidence varies.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Physical therapy often emphasizes swelling control, restoring knee motion, quadriceps and hip strength, balance, and activity modification. Medication when safe and a gradual return to activity may help, especially for degenerative tears without true locking.

When other care may be needed: A knee that is truly locked, severe swelling after injury, or inability to bear weight needs prompt evaluation. Orthopedic review is important for displaced or repairable tears and persistent mechanical symptoms.

Common questions

Questions about meniscus tear

What causes a meniscus tear?

Meniscus tears come from an acute twisting injury, common in sport, or from gradual wear of the cartilage over time, when a minor twist or even routine squatting can cause a tear. Age and underlying knee arthritis influence the tear pattern.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?

Pain along the inner or outer joint line, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes catching, clicking or a sensation of locking. True locking suggests a tear that needs closer evaluation, while degenerative tears often cause aching with activity.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for a meniscus tear?

Many meniscus tears, especially degenerative ones, improve with activity modification, targeted strengthening, weight management and physical therapy. The right plan depends on tear pattern, location, and whether symptoms are mechanical or driven by underlying arthritis.

What regenerative options may help a meniscus tear?

Dr. Tortland may discuss ultrasound-guided injection options, which can include PRP and, in some cases, cellular orthobiologics, depending on the tear and the condition of the joint. A knee that truly locks or does not improve with conservative care may need surgical evaluation.