Meniscal Tear

The meniscus is a specialized piece of cartilage in the knee that sits atop the tibial plateau and forms a contact surface with the femur. Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus, which is more “C-shaped,” and the lateral meniscus, which is more “O-shaped.” These structures play a critical role in maintaining knee health by cushioning the joint, absorbing shock, and reducing the stress placed on the bones during movement.

Beyond shock absorption, the meniscus is essential for proper joint congruency, load distribution, and stability. It also serves as a functional block during knee extension and flexion, helping guide smooth, controlled motion. Meniscal tears occur when this cartilage is damaged, which can result from an acute injury, repetitive stress, or age-related degeneration.

These tears often happen during twisting, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction, and they can lead to pain, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion in the knee. Proper diagnosis and rehabilitation are crucial to restore knee function and prevent long-term complications.

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Symptoms

Knee Pain
Swelling within the joint
Cannot achieve full leg flexion or extension
Feeling as if your knee gets stuck or locks out
Knee stiffness
A sensation of giving away or instability in the knee

Diagnosis

Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will complete a physical examination of your knee. Your physician may recommend an MRI which is the best way for seeing a meniscus tear. Your physician may recommend surgery or may suggest physical therapy pending the degree of damage to the meniscus.

Treatment

Rest – stay off your leg as much as possible, or use an ambulatory device, such as crutches
Ice – use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off throughout the day, for the first 72 hours since the injury occurred
Compress – use a compression sleeve or ace wrap. This will help to reduce the swelling
Elevate your leg – keep your knee elevated
Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician

Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is a possible solution for a meniscus tear. The surgeon will insert a tube into the knee. This tube has a light and camera on the end and makes it easier for the doctor to remove the damaged meniscus.

Rehabilitation

After the surgery, physical therapy will be recommended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint. You can schedule your appointment at the nearest JAG Physical Therapy location to you. We have over 170 locations throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Prevention

Strong muscles in the thigh – quadriceps, adductors, and hamstrings
Stretch before and after you exercise

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Schedule an Appointment with JAG Physical Therapy

If you're experiencing knee pain from a meniscus tear, our expert team at JAG Physical Therapy can help. We specialize in treating knee injuries and can provide you with personalized care.

JAG Physical Therapy offers a wide network of convenient locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, making high-quality care easy to access when you need it most. With clinics strategically located in local communities, accessing treatment is simple and stress-free—whether you’re seeking care close to home, work, or school.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing ongoing pain, or working to restore strength and mobility, our experienced team is ready to work with you every step of the way. Don’t put your recovery on hold—find your nearest location or schedule your initial appointment today.

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