Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common knee injury, especially in athletes who play high-impact sports. At Kai Sports Medicine in Little Silver, New Jersey, Zachary Perlman, DO, takes an integrative and patient-centered approach to care and specializes in the sport of life. He offers innovative therapies that support the body’s natural healing process to treat meniscus tears. For personalized care from a skilled sports medicine physician, call today or book an appointment online.

What should I know about meniscus tears?

Meniscus tears are a common knee injury. The meniscus is the cartilage that separates the bones in the knee joint. Your knee has two menisci that separate the femur (thighbone) from the tibia (shinbone), one on the inside and one on the outside.

The injury to the cartilage usually occurs when you twist or turn your upper leg while your lower leg remains stationary. Older adults may also develop meniscus tears due to age-related degenerative changes to the cartilage.

I have knee pain. How do I know if I have a meniscus tear?

Many injuries and conditions cause knee pain. Dr. Perlman is a skilled sports medicine physician who conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about knee pain to determine the underlying cause. 

He asks detailed questions about your symptoms and the underlying injury that caused them. When you tear your meniscus, you may hear or feel a popping. You can continue to bear weight on your knee and then develop symptoms 2-3 days after the initial injury. 

If Dr. Perlman suspects you have a meniscus tear, he may ask you to bend, straighten, and rotate your knee. If these movements cause pain or a clicking sound, then you may have a meniscus tear.

Dr. Perlman then orders imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis and determine the type of tear you have. 

What are the treatments for meniscus tears?

Dr. Perlman customizes your meniscus tear treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity level, and severity of your injury. 

If you injure the outer portion of the meniscus, the tear may heal on its own. If the tear is in the inner area of the cartilage, you may need surgery to repair the damage.

Initial treatment for a meniscus tear includes:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection
• Shockwave therapy

Most meniscus tear surgical procedures are minimally invasive. Dr. Perlman may recommend PRP injections following surgery to support healing.

Call Kai Sports Medicine today or schedule an appointment online to get help for your knee pain.