Meniscal Tears

A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries we treat at OrthoBethesda, especially among athletes and active adults. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes your knee joint, acting as a shock absorber between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia).
When this cartilage is torn — whether from a sudden twist, fall, or gradual wear over time — it can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking. Elderly people are more prone to degenerative meniscal tears as the cartilage wears out and weakens with age.

Common Causes of Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tears can occur in two main ways:

• Traumatic tears – Usually caused by a sudden twist, pivot, or direct impact to the knee during sports like soccer, basketball, or football.
• Degenerative tears – Develop gradually as cartilage weakens with age, often in people over 40.

Other risk factors include:

• Prior knee injury or instability
• Obesity or repetitive kneeling/squatting
• Poor conditioning or muscle imbalance

Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

Typical signs include:

• Pain along the inner or outer side of the knee
• Swelling or stiffness after activity
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensation
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• A feeling that the knee “gives out” or won’t support weight

If you notice these symptoms — especially after a sudden twist or pivot — it’s important to see an orthopedic specialist immediately to prevent further damage.

Diagnosis at OrthoBethesda

At OrthoBethesda, our fellowship-trained knee surgeons and sports medicine specialists use advanced imaging and physical examination techniques to accurately diagnose meniscal injuries.
Your visit may include:

• Physical exam and movement tests to assess range of motion and stability
• Digital X-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis
• MRI scan to confirm the location, size, and severity of the tear

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, we’ll discuss your lifestyle, and activity level and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Many meniscal tears can heal without surgery, particularly small tears along the outer rim of the cartilage (where blood supply is best).
Nonsurgical care may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid or biologic injections
• Bracing or crutches for stability
• Physical therapy to restore motion and strengthen supporting muscles

Our on-site physical therapy teams in Bethesda, Tysons, and Arlington work closely with your orthopedic surgeon to ensure safe and effective recovery.  However, if the symptoms do not resolve with nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Surgical Options for Meniscus Repair

If pain or mechanical symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgery may be recommended. At OrthoBethesda, most meniscus procedures are performed using arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques, which allow for faster recovery and less scarring.

Arthroscopic Procedures Include:

• Partial Meniscectomy: Removing the damaged portion of the meniscus to smooth joint motion.
• Meniscus Repair: Suturing or anchoring the torn cartilage to promote natural healing.
• Meniscus Transplantation: In select patients, replacing the damaged cartilage with donor or lab-grown tissue to preserve joint function.

Your surgeon will determine which option best fits your tear pattern, age, and activity goals.

Recovery After Meniscus Surgery

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure:

• Partial meniscectomy: 3–6 weeks to resume light activities.
• Meniscus repair: 3–4 months with progressive rehab.
• Meniscus transplant: 6+ months before full return to sport.

Our integrated physical therapy program focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance — helping you safely return to your daily activities or competitive sports.

Expert Knee Care Across the D.C. Metro Area

Whether you’re an athlete recovering from a sports injury or an active adult managing chronic knee pain, OrthoBethesda offers the region’s most comprehensive orthopedic knee care — with clinics in Bethesda, Tysons, and Arlington. Our team includes fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specializing in knee arthroscopy, cartilage restoration, and minimally invasive repair.

Call (301) 530-1010 or request an appointment today to learn more about meniscus tear treatment options near you.

Further Reading

How Long Does It Take for a Torn Meniscus to Heal Without Surgery?

Guide to Preventing Running Injuries