Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tear treatment in Thane. A torn meniscus can cause knee pain, catching and locking. Many tears settle with physiotherapy; some benefit from keyhole surgery to repair or trim them.
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
Each knee has two menisci: C-shaped pads of tough cartilage that sit between the thighbone and the shinbone, one on the inner side and one on the outer side. They act as shock absorbers, spread your weight across the joint and help keep the knee stable.
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. There are two main types:
- Injury-related tears happen when the knee twists with the foot planted, for example during sport, squatting or getting up awkwardly. They are more common in younger, active people.
- Wear-related (degenerative) tears happen as the meniscus becomes weaker with age. They can tear with a minor movement, such as getting up from squatting, and are often seen together with early arthritis.
Signs of a Torn Meniscus
A meniscus tear can cause:
- Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, often along the joint line
- Swelling that develops over a day or two
- Catching, clicking or a feeling that something is moving inside the knee
- Locking, where the knee gets stuck and will not fully straighten
- Pain when twisting, squatting or sitting cross-legged
Not sure? Book a consultation to have it checked.
How It Is Diagnosed
Dr. Gadkari examines the knee for tenderness along the joint line and uses simple twisting tests that can bring on the pain. X-rays show whether there is arthritis. An MRI scan shows the meniscus tear, its pattern and position, and any other damage, such as an ACL tear.
Treatment Options
Without Surgery
Many meniscus tears, especially wear-related tears in older knees, settle with physiotherapy, activity changes and time. Strengthening the thigh muscles takes load off the knee. Painkillers and sometimes an injection help during this period. For many people with a wear-related tear and arthritis, surgery gives little extra benefit over a good exercise programme.
Keyhole Surgery
Surgery is considered when the knee is locked, when catching and pain continue despite good physiotherapy, or for injury-related tears in younger people that may heal if repaired. It is done through keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery:
- Meniscus repair: the torn edges are stitched together. This works best for tears near the outer edge, where the blood supply is good, and it protects the knee in the long term.
- Partial meniscectomy: the torn, unstable part is trimmed away when it cannot be repaired. As much healthy meniscus as possible is kept.
The meniscus protects the knee cartilage for life, so Dr. Gadkari aims to keep as much of it as possible. He explains whether your tear is likely to settle with rehab, whether it can be repaired, and what to expect from each option.
Understand Your Diagnosis
He goes through your X-rays and scans with you, so you know exactly what is wrong and why.
Try Non-Surgical Care
Medicines, physiotherapy, weight and activity changes come first, for as long as they help.
Operate When It Helps
Surgery is advised only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
Your Recovery Timeline
Days 1 to 7
After trimming, walking within a day or two; after a repair, crutches and a brace to protect the stitches.
Weeks 2 to 6
Physiotherapy for movement and strength. Repairs need a slower, protected programme.
6 Weeks
Most people are back to daily activities after a trimming.
3 to 6 Months
Return to sport after a repair, once strength and confidence are back.
Typical milestones. Everyone heals at a different pace, and your physiotherapist will adjust the plan to you.
Risks Explained Plainly
Keyhole knee surgery is common and generally safe. Its risks include swelling and stiffness, infection, blood clots, a repaired meniscus tearing again, and, in the long term, arthritis, which is more likely when a larger part of the meniscus has had to be removed. Dr. Gadkari will explain how these apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a torn meniscus heal?
Some can. Tears near the outer edge of the meniscus have a good blood supply and can heal, sometimes after being stitched. Many wear-related tears in older knees settle with physiotherapy and never need surgery.
Will removing part of the meniscus cause arthritis?
Removing a large part of the meniscus can increase the load on the knee cartilage over time. That is why surgeons try to repair the meniscus where possible, and remove only the damaged part when it cannot be saved.
Do I need an MRI for knee pain?
Not always. Many knee problems can be diagnosed with an examination and an X-ray. An MRI is useful when a ligament or meniscus tear is suspected, or when the cause is still unclear.
Should I exercise if I have arthritis?
Yes. Regular, gentle exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint, eases stiffness and helps control weight. Walking, cycling, swimming and specific physiotherapy exercises are good choices. Pain that lasts more than an hour or two after exercise means you should do a little less.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about a meniscus tear. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
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