Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitesh Jain | MBBS, MS Orthopedics, FNB (Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy) | Consultant at Rajasthan Hospital, Jaipur
That sudden "pop" in your knee while playing cricket, getting up from the floor, or even climbing stairs? It could be a meniscus tear. It's one of the most common knee injuries we see in Jaipur, and it doesn't just happen to athletes. Housewives, office workers, senior citizens: anyone can get a torn meniscus.
The good news? Most meniscus tears are treatable, and with the right doctor and timely care, you can get back to your normal life. In this article, Dr. Jitesh Jain, one of Jaipur's leading knee and sports injury specialists, explains everything you need to know about meniscus tears, from symptoms to the latest treatment options available right here in Jaipur.
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
Your knee has two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that sit between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). These are called the menisci: one on the inner side (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus). Think of them as shock absorbers for your knee. They cushion the joint, help distribute your body weight evenly, and keep the knee stable when you walk, run, bend, or squat. Along with the ligaments in your knee, the menisci play a key role in keeping the joint functioning smoothly.
When this cartilage gets torn, whether from a sudden twist, a deep squat, or wear and tear over time, it's called a meniscus tear. It can range from a small, minor tear that heals on its own to a large, complex tear that may need surgery.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Not every meniscus tear feels the same. Some people feel immediate sharp pain, while others may not even realise they have a tear until the knee starts swelling a day or two later. Here are the most common signs to watch for:
Pain on the side of the knee: usually on the inner or outer side, depending on which meniscus is torn. The pain often gets worse when you twist or squat.
Swelling: your knee may swell up within a few hours or over the next day or two after the injury.
Stiffness: the knee feels tight and difficult to bend or straighten fully.
Catching or locking: a torn piece of meniscus can get stuck in the joint, making your knee feel like it's "locked" or "catching" when you try to move it.
Giving way: your knee may suddenly feel unstable, like it might buckle or give out, especially when going down stairs or stepping on uneven ground.
Difficulty sitting cross-legged or squatting: this is something many Indian patients notice first, as these are common daily activities.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after a sports injury, fall, or twisting movement, it's important to get it checked sooner rather than later.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
There are two main ways a meniscus tear happens:
1. Sudden Injury (Traumatic Tear)
This is common in younger, active people. It usually happens during sports or physical activities where the knee gets twisted forcefully while the foot is planted on the ground. Playing cricket, football, kabaddi, badminton, or even dancing at a wedding: any sudden twisting motion can do it. We also see this often in gym-goers who do heavy squats or lunges with incorrect form. If you're active in sports, it's worth reading about how to prevent sports injuries.
2. Wear and Tear (Degenerative Tear)
As we get older, usually after the age of 40, the meniscus becomes weaker and more brittle. It doesn't take much to tear it. This kind of wear and tear is closely linked to osteoarthritis of the knee, which is another common cause of knee pain in older adults. Something as simple as getting up awkwardly from a chair, stepping off a curb, or squatting during pooja can cause a degenerative tear. This is very common in India, especially among people who regularly sit on the floor or use Indian-style toilets.
Other factors that increase your risk include being overweight (which puts more stress on the knees), having a previous knee injury, or having weak leg muscles that don't support the knee well enough.
How Is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a meniscus tear involves two things: a physical examination and imaging.
Physical Examination
Dr. Jitesh Jain starts by asking about how the injury happened, what your symptoms are, and what movements make the pain worse. Then, he performs specific clinical tests on your knee. One of the most common is the McMurray's test, where the doctor bends and rotates your knee to check if the torn meniscus causes a click or pain. Another is the Apley's compression test, where pressure is applied to the knee in different positions.
MRI Scan
An MRI is the gold standard for confirming a meniscus tear. It gives a clear, detailed picture of the soft tissues inside your knee, including the meniscus, ligaments, and cartilage. An X-ray alone won't show a meniscus tear (it only shows bones), so if your doctor suspects a tear, an MRI is usually the next step.
At Rajasthan Hospital in Jaipur, Dr. Jitesh Jain uses MRI findings along with his clinical examination to plan the most accurate and effective treatment for you.
Treatment Options for Meniscus Tear
Not every meniscus tear needs surgery. The treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tear, your age, your activity level, and how much it's affecting your daily life.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Small tears, especially in the outer part of the meniscus (which has good blood supply), can often heal without surgery. Dr. Jitesh Jain may recommend:
RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This is the first line of treatment to reduce pain and swelling in the initial days.
Medicines: Anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac to manage pain and swelling. These are prescribed for short-term use only.
Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee (especially the quadriceps and hamstrings), improve flexibility, and restore normal movement. This is a very important part of recovery.
Knee bracing: In some cases, a knee brace may be given to provide extra support and limit certain movements while the tear heals.
Surgical Treatment (Arthroscopic Surgery)
If the tear is large, causing locking, or not responding to conservative treatment after 4 to 6 weeks, surgery may be needed. The most common surgery for meniscus tears is arthroscopy, a minimally invasive, keyhole surgery.
Dr. Jitesh Jain is one of Jaipur's most experienced arthroscopic surgeons with advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He is also recognised as one of the best ACL surgeons in Jaipur, with deep expertise in all types of knee arthroscopy procedures. During the procedure, a tiny camera and instruments are inserted through 2 to 3 small cuts (each less than 1 cm). Depending on the tear, one of two things is done:
Meniscus Repair: The torn parts are stitched back together. This is the preferred option, especially in younger patients, because it preserves the meniscus and protects the knee long-term.
Partial Meniscectomy: If the torn part can't be repaired, only the damaged portion is trimmed and removed. The healthy meniscus is kept intact as much as possible.
Arthroscopic surgery is a daycare or one-night stay procedure in most cases. You can usually walk the same day or the next day with support.
Recovery Timeline After Meniscus Tear Treatment
Recovery varies depending on whether you had surgery or not, and what type of surgery was done.
Non-Surgical Recovery
With rest, physio, and medicines, most minor tears show significant improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery may take 2 to 3 months depending on your activity level.
After Partial Meniscectomy
This has a quicker recovery. Most patients start walking within 1 to 2 days and can return to normal daily activities in 2 to 4 weeks. Return to sports may take 6 to 8 weeks with proper rehabilitation.
After Meniscus Repair
Since the stitched meniscus needs time to heal, recovery is slower. Weight-bearing is restricted for 4 to 6 weeks, and full recovery, including return to sports, usually takes 3 to 6 months. Dr. Jitesh Jain provides a structured physiotherapy plan for each patient to make this process as smooth as possible. You can also check out our detailed guide on exercises after meniscus repair for a step-by-step recovery plan.
Patience is key here. Rushing back too soon can re-tear the meniscus. Follow your surgeon's advice and complete your physiotherapy. That's the real secret to a strong recovery.
How to Prevent a Meniscus Tear
While you can't prevent every injury, there are several things you can do to significantly lower your risk:
Strengthen your leg muscles: Strong quadriceps and hamstrings support and protect your knee. Simple exercises like wall sits, straight leg raises, and step-ups go a long way. Here are some recommended exercises for knee pain you can start with.
Warm up before physical activity: Always stretch and warm up before playing sports, going to the gym, or doing any strenuous physical work.
Use proper technique: Whether you're squatting in the gym or playing cricket, using the right form reduces unnecessary stress on your knees.
Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight means extra load on your knee joints. Even losing 5 to 10 kg can make a noticeable difference.
Wear proper footwear: Avoid playing sports in chappals or worn-out shoes. Good, supportive shoes make a real difference.
Be careful with floor-sitting: If you have weak or ageing knees, try to reduce prolonged cross-legged sitting or deep squatting. Use a chair or low stool when possible.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Don't ignore knee pain that lasts more than a few days, especially if you notice swelling, locking, or difficulty bending the knee. The earlier a meniscus tear is diagnosed, the more treatment options you have, including the chance to save your meniscus through repair rather than removal.
If you're in Jaipur and looking for expert knee care, Dr. Jitesh Jain at Rajasthan Hospital offers advanced arthroscopic surgery, sports injury management, and personalised rehabilitation plans. With international fellowship training from Hong Kong and Singapore, and years of experience treating patients across Rajasthan, he provides world-class orthopaedic care right here in Jaipur.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a meniscus tear heal on its own without surgery?
Yes, small tears, especially in the outer part of the meniscus where blood supply is good, can heal with rest, physiotherapy, and medicines. However, larger tears or tears that cause locking and instability usually need arthroscopic surgery.
How long does meniscus tear surgery take?
Arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. It's a minimally invasive procedure, and most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
Is meniscus tear surgery painful?
The surgery is done under anaesthesia, so you won't feel anything during the procedure. After surgery, there may be mild to moderate pain for a few days, which is easily managed with medicines. Most patients say the pain is much less than they expected.
Can I walk after meniscus tear surgery?
After a partial meniscectomy, most patients start walking the same day or the next day. After a meniscus repair, walking may be restricted for a few weeks as the stitched meniscus needs time to heal. Dr. Jitesh Jain gives specific instructions based on your surgery type.
What happens if I ignore a meniscus tear?
Ignoring a torn meniscus can lead to worsening pain, chronic swelling, and further damage to the knee cartilage. Over time, this can speed up the development of arthritis in the knee, which may eventually require a knee replacement surgery.
Is meniscus tear common in young people?
Yes, traumatic meniscus tears are quite common in young, active people, especially those who play sports like cricket, football, kabaddi, or badminton. Sudden twisting or pivoting movements during sports are the most common cause in younger patients.
How much does meniscus tear treatment cost in Jaipur?
The cost varies depending on whether conservative treatment or surgery is needed. Arthroscopic surgery in Jaipur is generally more affordable than in metro cities like Delhi or Mumbai, without any compromise on quality. For an accurate estimate, it's best to consult Dr. Jitesh Jain's team directly.
Can I play sports again after a meniscus tear?
Absolutely. With proper treatment and dedicated rehabilitation, most patients, including professional athletes, return to their sport successfully. The key is completing your full physiotherapy programme and getting clearance from your surgeon before resuming high-impact activities.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Knees
A meniscus tear can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to keep you from living your life. Whether you need conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Jitesh Jain in Jaipur has the expertise, training, and technology to help you recover fully and get back on your feet.
Don't wait for the pain to get worse. Get expert advice today.