The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and the thighbone. Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side.

A meniscus tear occurs when the knee is forcefully twisted or rotated, often during sports or traumatic injury. While common in athletes, older adults can also experience tears due to years of wear and tear on the cartilage.

Request an Appointment

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear

Meniscus tears often produce a distinctive popping or clicking sensation at the time of injury. While walking or playing may still be possible initially, the knee typically becomes swollen, stiff, and painful within a few days. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent pain with movement or twisting
  • Stiffness and swelling
  • Inability to fully straighten the knee
  • Locking of the joint or catching sensation

Diagnosis of a Meniscus Tear

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination, checking for tenderness along the joint line. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

  • McMurray test – knee bent, straightened, and rotated to detect clicking from the tear
  • Imaging tests – X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the meniscus

Treatment for a Meniscus Tear

Non-Surgical and Drug-Free Alternatives

Modern treatments focus on the body’s natural healing abilities rather than just masking pain, offering effective and sustainable recovery without surgery.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine therapies, such as stem cell therapy or human cellular tissue products, promote repair of damaged meniscal tissue. These treatments:

  • Target cartilage loss and underlying damage
  • Reduce the need for surgery
  • Shorten recovery time by restoring healthier tissue

Human Cellular Products (HCT/Ps)

Human Cellular Products use human cells and tissues to encourage natural healing. They provide scaffolding for meniscus regeneration, reduce inflammation at the cellular level, and support functional recovery—without the risks of invasive procedures.

Anti-Inflammatory Assessment and Natural Treatments

Chronic knee pain often involves inflammation beyond the meniscus. Natural strategies to reduce inflammation include:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich fish
  • Supplements such as boswellia, ginger root, and glucosamine

Assessment and Treatment of Knee Joint Instability

A torn meniscus can reveal deeper issues, including joint instability. Weak muscles, tendons, or ligaments can limit recovery. Specialized assessments and manual muscle techniques can identify weaknesses, restore balance, and improve overall mobility, often producing immediate improvement.

By addressing inflammation, instability, and tissue damage, these non-surgical treatments offer a holistic approach for restoring knee function, reducing pain, and avoiding the risks of surgery.