Introduction[1]

A torn meniscus is a common injury that occurs when the meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee joint, gets torn or damaged. This can happen due to sudden twisting or bending of the knee, or from wear and tear over time. Meniscus tears oftentimes result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee.

While surgery may be necessary for severe or complex meniscus tears, many tears can be managed conservatively, with physical therapy and exercise. The goal of exercise is to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the meniscus.

What is Meniscus Tear?[2]

A meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a shock absorber, aids in joint lubrication, and helps to distribute the weight of the body during movement. A torn meniscus occurs due to sudden twisting or bending of the knee or from gradual wear and tear over time. Meniscus tears are a common knee injury, especially among athletes, and can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness, and issues moving the knee. Most of the time, treatment for a meniscus tear will involve nonsurgical measures such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen, naproxen), steroid and biologic injections. Surgery may be needed for more severe tears.

What are the symptoms of Meniscus tears?[3]

Symptoms of a torn meniscus often vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain: Meniscus tears can cause pain in the affected knee.
  • Swelling: The knee may become swollen and stiff, making it difficult to move.
  • Stiffness: A meniscus tear can cause stiffness in the knee joint, making it difficult to bend or straighten the leg.
  • Locking or catching: The torn meniscus can become caught in the knee joint, causing the knee to lock up or catch during movement.
  • Popping or clicking: This sensation in the knee joint is usually the first symptom experienced as the tear occurs.
  • Loss of range of motion: A tear can cause the inability to move your knee through full range of motion.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other knee injuries or conditions, so it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you experience any of these symptoms.

What are the different types of meniscus tears?[4]

There are several types of meniscus tears, which are classified based on the location, pattern, and severity of the tear. The most common types of meniscus tears include:

  • Radial tear: This is the most common type of tear. It occurs more often in the area of the knee without blood supply (avasculture) and because of this is the hardest to treat.
  • Flap tear: A flap tear occurs when a piece of the meniscus is partially detached and flips over, creating a flap. This type of tear may cause the knee to lock or catch during movement.
  • Horizontal tear: Runs along the curve surface of the meniscus. Occurs in the area with blood flow.
  • Bucket handle tear: Runs in the center of the meniscus, which often cause the knee to become stuck and blocks knee motion. This type of tear can cause the knee to lock up and may require surgery to repair.
  • Complex tear: A combination of tear patterns are seen (i.e. radial tear combined with a horizontal tear). This type of tear can be more difficult to treat and may require surgery.
  • Intrasubstance/Incomplete tear: Typically occurs as a result of wear and tear and gets worse over time.

Is physical therapy a treatment option for a meniscus tear?[5]

Physical therapy is often an important part of treatment for meniscus tears. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion and strength, and promote healing of the injured meniscus. A physical therapist can create an individualized exercise program that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals, taking into account the type and severity of the meniscus tear, as well as any other injuries or conditions that may be present.

What are the top 8 meniscus tear exercises to try to avoid surgery?[6],[7],[8]

Top 8 meniscus tear exercises

In some cases, surgery may be needed to fully repair damaged tissue. However, for most meniscus tears, these exercises may be helpful in promoting healing and improving strength and mobility:

1. Straight-leg raises: Lie on the back with one leg straight and the other bent. Lift the straight leg off the ground, hold for a few seconds, and then lower it back down. Repeat 10 times, then switch legs.

2. Hamstring curls: Lie on the stomach with legs straight. Slowly bend your knee to lift the foot of the injured side towards the buttocks. Slowly lower your foot back down to the ground. Repeat on the other leg and for 8 to 10 times.

3. Calf raises: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a chair in front of you for support. Flex the foot that is extended and tighten thigh muscles. Slowly raise the foot that is flexed to 45 degrees. Lower leg, and repeat on the other leg. Do a total of 25 repetitions on each leg.

4. Quadriceps settings: Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh, pressing your knee down into the ground. Hold for 10-20 seconds, and then release. Repeat 10 times with 30 seconds to 1 minute rest in between sets.

5. Clams: Lie on the uninjured side, with hips stacked on top of one another and knees bent at 45 degree angle. Rest head on lower arm and use top arm to stabilize your position. While feet are stacked, slowly raise top knee as far as possible without moving lower back and pelvis. Return top knee to starting position. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

6. Mini-squats: Stand with back against wall with shoulders and head against the wall. Feet should be hip-width apart. Slowly bend your knees, keeping your back straight, until you are in a half-squat position. Hold for 10 seconds, and then slowly stand back up. Repeat 8 to 10 times.

7. Seated leg extensions: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Flex one foot then lift straightening the leg. Slowly lower the leg to starting position. Repeat 10 times, then start on the other leg.

8. Prone hang: Lie face down on bed or bench with legs extended over the edge. Let gravity slowly pull one knee down until fully extended. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds before bringing the leg back up. Repeat 3 times then do the same on the other knee.

These exercises can be done as part of a comprehensive physical therapy program or on their own, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have an injury such as a meniscus tear.

What are the types of exercises to avoid?[6]

While exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and recovery from injuries, there are some exercises that may aggravate a meniscus tear and should be avoided until the injury has healed.

  • High-impact activities: Activities involving running, jumping jacks, or plyometrics
  • Deep squats and Lunges: These both can put a lot of pressure on the knee joint and exacerbate a meniscus tear.
  • Twisting movements: Exercises that involve twisting or pivoting on the knee, such as playing basketball or soccer, can increase the risk of further injury to a meniscus tear.
  • Free weights: To make any other above exercises harder.

It’s important to avoid these exercises until you have fully recovered from your injury. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you create an individualized exercise plan that takes into account your specific injury and goals

What is the recovery time for meniscus tears?[6]

Recovery for meniscus tears

The recovery time for a meniscus tear can vary depending on several factors, including the severity and location of the tear, the age and overall health of the patient, and the treatment approach used. In general, the recovery time for a meniscus tear can range from 4 to 8 weeks to up to 6 months depending on the severity. Typically for minor tears, treatments such as the RICE method and physical therapy may be used which will only take a few weeks for healing. However, for more severe cases, surgery may be warranted which may involve months of healing.

Frequently asked questions

Some common signs that might be experienced in a torn meniscus are:

  • Pain: Meniscus tears can cause pain in the affected knee, which may be sharp or dull and worsen with movement.
  • Swelling: The knee joint may become swollen or inflamed after a meniscus tear, which may make it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.
  • Stiffness: Meniscus tears can cause stiffness or a feeling of tightness in the knee joint, which may make it difficult to move the knee or engage in normal activities.
  • Clicking or popping: Some people with meniscus tears may experience a clicking or popping sensation in the knee joint, especially when moving or bearing weight on the affected leg.
  • Limited range of motion: Meniscus tears can make it difficult to fully extend or flex the knee joint, which may impact daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
  • Instability: In some cases, a meniscus tear can cause the knee joint to feel unstable or give way, which may increase the risk of falls or other injuries.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.

Some common treatments for meniscus tears include:

  • Rest and activity modification: For minor meniscus tears, rest and activity modification may be effective in promoting healing and reducing symptoms.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve range of motion, and promote healing after a meniscus tear. A physical therapist can design an individualized exercise plan that addresses the specific needs and goals of the patient.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with a meniscus tear.
  • Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected knee joint.
  • Surgery: For more severe meniscus tears, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.
  • Supplements: Using supplements that have natural ingredients that combine both chondroitin and glucosamine (such as those found in Flexoplex[9]) can help alleviate pain and soothe aches.

It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs and goals.

A meniscus tear can be a serious injury, but the severity can vary depending on the location and extent of the tear. In general, meniscus tears can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected knee joint, which can impact daily activities and quality of life. In some cases, a meniscus tear can also lead to further complications, such as osteoarthritis or knee instability, which can further impact joint health and function over time. If left untreated, a torn meniscus can severely damage quality of life as normal activities can become hard to do.[10] However, most of the time meniscus tears can be treated with simple exercises that can be done either at home or with a physical therapist.

With proper treatment and rehab exercises, many people are able to successfully recover from a meniscus tear and return to their normal activities.

After a meniscus tear, it's important to avoid certain activities and movements that can aggravate the injury or delay healing.

  • Avoid weight-bearing activities: Activities that put weight on the affected knee joint, such as running or jumping, should be avoided until the injury has healed.
  • Avoid sudden movements: Rapid movements or sudden changes in direction can put stress on the knee joint and potentially worsen a meniscus tear.
  • Avoid high-impact activities: Activities that involve high impact or stress on the knee joint, such as playing basketball or tennis, should be avoided until the injury has healed.
  • Avoid sitting for long periods: Sitting for long periods with the knee bent can put stress on the knee joint and potentially aggravate a meniscus tear.
  • Avoid excessive stretching: Stretching or bending the knee joint beyond its natural range of motion can potentially worsen a meniscus tear.

Conclusion

A meniscus tear can be a painful and limiting injury that can impact daily activities and quality of life. While surgery may be necessary in some cases, many meniscus tears can be successfully managed with non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and activity modification. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have a meniscus tear, as early diagnosis and treatment can help promote healing and prevent further complications. Following recommended guidelines for rest, exercise, and other aspects of recovery can help optimize healing and minimize the risk of complications. With proper treatment and rehab exercises, many people are able to successfully recover from a meniscus tear and return to their normal activities.