Reclaim the movement your knee injury has taken away. Torn cartilage can leave your knee painful, swollen, stiff, or suddenly locking during activity. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Buza offers personalized treatments to help you move confidently again.
Get Your Knee Moving Smoothly Again
Torn cartilage in the knee commonly refers to a meniscus tear. Your menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion the joint and help distribute forces across your knee. A tear can occur during twisting or pivoting movements or develop gradually over time. Depending on its size and location, a meniscus tear may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, catching, or locking, making running, dancing, training, and everyday movements harder.
Signs & Symptoms of Torn Cartilage:
- Pain along the knee joint line
- Swelling or stiffness around the knee
- Catching or locking during movement
- A popping sensation when the injury occurs
- Difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee
- Pain with twisting, pivoting, or squatting
- A feeling that your knee may give way
- Difficulty running, dancing, training, or playing sports
- Persistent discomfort during everyday activities
Treatment Options for Torn Cartilage
Your treatment depends on where the meniscus is torn, the size and pattern of the tear, your symptoms, and how your knee affects your activity. Dr. Buza evaluates your knee movement and may use imaging to assess the cartilage. From there, she develops an individualized plan aimed at relieving symptoms while preserving healthy meniscus tissue whenever appropriate.
RICE
RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can help manage pain and swelling after a meniscus injury. Rest reduces activities that repeatedly stress the injured knee, while ice can temporarily ease pain and inflammation. Compression provides gentle support and may help control swelling, and elevating your leg encourages fluid to move away from the knee. These measures do not repair torn cartilage, but they can help manage symptoms during the early stages of recovery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps restore function without directly repairing the torn cartilage. Targeted exercises strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and other muscles that support and control your knee. Physical therapy may work on mobility, balance, and movement mechanics. As symptoms improve, your program can progress toward running, jumping, or dance-specific movements so you can gradually work toward your previous activity level.
Knee Arthroscopy & Meniscus Surgery
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist, or the torn meniscus causes mechanical problems such as knee locking. Dr. Buza inserts a small camera and specialized instruments through small incisions to view and treat the damaged meniscus. Depending on the location, pattern, and repair potential of the tear, the meniscus may be sutured back together or unstable damaged tissue may be removed while preserving as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible.
Don’t Let an Injury Keep You Sidelined.
Schedule Your Consultation for Torn Cartilage Treatment in NYC
Dr. Stephanie Buza is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and knee care. She considers your specific meniscus tear, symptoms, and goals to determine an appropriate treatment plan, from non-operative care to arthroscopic meniscus surgery when needed. Schedule your personalized consultation for torn cartilage treatment in New York City today.
