Meniscus Tear: Types, Symptoms & Treatment Without Surgery

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

What Is the Meniscus?

Each knee has two C-shaped cartilage discs (medial and lateral menisci) that act as shock absorbers and stabilisers between the femur and tibia. Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries.

Types of Meniscal Tears

• Horizontal: Splits the meniscus into upper and lower layers
• Radial: Across the meniscus — poorest healing potential
• Bucket-handle: Large longitudinal tear that can flip and lock the knee
• Degenerative: Complex tears in older adults with osteoarthritis

Symptoms

• Pain along the joint line (inner or outer knee)
• Swelling within 24 hours of injury
• Clicking, popping or locking
• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee

Treatment

Conservative

Small, stable peripheral tears (good blood supply) heal with rest, RICE, and physiotherapy — 4–6 weeks. NSAIDs for pain control.

Surgical

• Meniscal repair: Preferred in young patients with peripheral tears — sutures the torn edges together, preserves meniscal tissue
• Partial meniscectomy: Removes the torn fragment — faster recovery but long-term arthritis risk is higher