Conditions
Meniscus tear: when it can be treated without surgery
The menisci are two fibrocartilage cushions that absorb shock and stabilise the knee. They can tear through injury, with a sudden twist, especially in young people who play sport, or through wear, in degenerative tears, which are very common after the age of 40. Many degenerative tears do not need surgery and improve with well-conducted conservative treatment; others, such as those that lock the knee, do. Dr Julio De la Morena assesses each case at Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid) and also offers a second opinion before surgery.
Common symptoms
- Pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, along the joint line.
- Pain when twisting, squatting or going up and down stairs.
- Swelling after activity.
- Clicking or a catching sensation.
- Locking: the knee gets stuck and cannot be fully straightened.
Traumatic or degenerative tear
A traumatic tear appears after a twist with the foot planted, often during sport, and may come with ligament injuries. A degenerative tear appears without a clear injury, through wear, and often coexists with early osteoarthritis. Degenerative tears are frequently seen on the MRI scans of people over 40 who have no pain, so the image is always interpreted together with the examination.
Non-surgical treatment
- Therapeutic exercise. In degenerative tears, a strengthening programme for the quadriceps, hamstrings and hip gives results comparable to surgery in many patients.
- Activity adjustment and weight control.
- Ultrasound-guided injections when the knee is inflamed.
- Autologous growth factors in selected cases, especially when there is associated cartilage wear.
When surgery is advisable
When the knee locks, when there is a traumatic tear in a young person that can be repaired to preserve the meniscus, when it comes with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, or when pain does not improve after well-conducted conservative treatment. In these cases care is coordinated with orthopaedic surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Does a meniscus tear always need surgery?
No. Degenerative tears, common after 40, are usually treated first without surgery with good results. Surgery is for cases with locking, traumatic tears that can be repaired and those that do not respond to treatment.
Does a torn meniscus heal on its own?
The inner part of the meniscus has very little blood supply and does not heal by itself, but that does not mean it will always hurt: many people stop having symptoms once they regain strength and adjust their activity.
Can I play sport with a meniscus tear?
It depends on the type of tear and the symptoms. With a suitable programme many people return to running, padel or skiing. The consultation determines which activities are safe in each case.
Where can I get a second opinion on a meniscus tear in Madrid?
Dr Julio De la Morena offers it at the Regenerative Therapies and Sports Medicine Unit of Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón), in person or remotely. Appointments on +34 913 548 990.
Would you like your case assessed?
Examination and ultrasound in the same appointment: you leave with a diagnosis and a plan. First appointment with no commitment to treatment: if nothing is indicated, we tell you.
Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón · Pozuelo de Alarcón · +34 913 548 990 · Mon–Fri, 3 pm to 9 pm
Written and reviewed by Dr Julio De la Morena Garzón, specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Madrid Medical Council no. 281903698). Last reviewed: October 2026. General information that does not replace a medical consultation.