A torn meniscus is a common knee injury involving damage to the meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint. It often occurs from twisting or rotating the knee while bearing weight, such as during sports, sudden movements, or even routine activities in older adults where the cartilage has weakened over time. Symptoms can include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or popping sensations, and sometimes a feeling that the knee is locking or giving way. Pain may worsen with walking, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Treatment for a torn meniscus focuses on reducing pain, inflammation, and improving function—especially for patients who are not immediate surgical candidates or are recovering from injury. Common approaches include anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and physical therapy referrals to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability. Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation or viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) to improve joint lubrication may also be offered. In some cases, regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be discussed. The goal in pain management is to control symptoms, improve mobility, and help patients return to daily activities while minimizing the need for surgery.
