Meniscus Tear Treatment

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage cushion in your knee. Tears occur from twisting motions during sports or from age-related degeneration. Symptoms include knee pain along the joint line, swelling, catching, and sometimes the knee locking in one position.

Many meniscus tears — especially degenerative tears in people over 40 — respond very well to physiotherapy without surgery. Recent research shows that physiotherapy outcomes are equivalent to arthroscopic surgery for most degenerative meniscus tears. Acute tears in young athletes may need surgical repair.

Conservative (non-surgical) meniscus treatment takes 6-10 weeks. Post-surgical recovery takes 3-6 months depending on whether the meniscus was repaired or trimmed. Physiotherapy is essential in both cases for optimal recovery.

Most people can walk with a meniscus tear, though you may limp or feel pain. Walking is generally encouraged as it promotes healing. Avoid deep squatting, twisting, and high-impact activities until your physiotherapist clears you.

Quadriceps strengthening (straight leg raises, wall squats), hamstring exercises, and gentle cycling are the foundation. We avoid deep knee bending initially and progress based on your pain response. A structured physiotherapy program is much more effective than exercising on your own.

Sessions start from ₹500. Most cases improve significantly within 4–6 sessions; long-standing or complex cases may need more. Costs are discussed during your initial assessment.