How is a meniscus tear treated?
Treatment depends on the tear, your symptoms and your knee. Many people start without surgery. Keyhole surgery is considered when symptoms continue despite treatment.
Common symptoms
- Pain, stiffness and swelling, often worse over 2 to 3 days
- Catching or locking of the knee
- The knee giving way
- Being unable to move the knee fully
Treatment without surgery
Options include rest, ice, compression, raising the leg, anti-inflammatory medicines and, in selected cases, a steroid injection. A doctor may also advise rehabilitation exercises.
Surgical options
| Surgery | What it does | Typical recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Partial meniscectomy | Trims away the damaged tissue | About 3 to 6 weeks |
| Meniscus repair | Stitches the torn pieces together. Success depends on the tear. | About 3 to 6 months |
When to seek prompt review
See a doctor promptly if the knee locks and cannot straighten, or if you cannot bear weight after an injury.
This page gives general information. It cannot diagnose your condition or tell you which treatment suits you. See a registered doctor for advice about your own symptoms.