Which specialist treats a meniscus tear?

The meniscus is a cushion of cartilage between the thighbone and shinbone. An orthopaedic clinician reviews how the injury happened, checks movement and stability, and may arrange imaging when the examination calls for it. Treatment depends on the tear’s position, size, symptoms, activity needs, and whether the knee catches or locks.

A physiotherapist can address swelling, reduced movement, weakness, and difficulty bearing weight. The specialist may discuss observation, rehabilitation, Meniscus Repair, or Partial Meniscectomy. Knee Arthroscopy is a procedure used in selected cases, rather than an automatic next step.

Arrange an assessment with an orthopaedic or sports-medicine clinician if knee pain, swelling, clicking, or reduced function follows a twist or impact. Until then, reduce activities that provoke symptoms, use a comfortable range of movement, and avoid forcing a locked knee. A physiotherapy plan can restore strength gradually after the diagnosis is clearer.

Bring details about the injury, swelling, catching, giving way, and your usual activities. You can also read about Knee Pain, Knee Swelling, and Meniscus Tear to prepare for the appointment.

Seek urgent medical assessment if the knee is locked and cannot straighten, you cannot bear weight after an injury, the joint looks deformed, or severe swelling develops quickly. Fever, marked redness, or a hot knee also needs prompt review because these features may have causes other than a meniscus tear.

Ask which findings support a meniscus tear, whether imaging would change the plan, what movements to avoid, and when physiotherapy should begin. If surgery is discussed, ask what problem it aims to address, what rehabilitation involves, and how recovery will be monitored.