KNEE MENISCUS TEAR

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Knee pain can make even simple movements—walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair—feel uncomfortable and uncertain. A knee meniscus tear is a common reason for this pain, affecting people of all ages in Singapore, from active youths playing sports to adults experiencing natural wear and tear in the knee.

The meniscus is a firm, rubber-like cushion inside the knee that helps absorb shock and keeps the joint moving smoothly. When it is torn, the knee may feel painful, swollen, stiff, or unstable, making it harder to put weight on the leg or move with confidence.

Meniscus tears can happen suddenly after a twist or impact, or develop gradually over time. Treatment depends on the type of tear and how much it affects your daily life.

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists provide minimally-invasive treatments that relieve pain safely and effectively—offering an alternative to long-term medication or surgery, often with little to no downtime. Our goal is to help you get back to your daily life with comfort and confidence.

Knee Meniscus Tear

What Causes a Knee Meniscus Tear? 

A meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage is stressed beyond what it can tolerate. This may happen suddenly or slowly over time.

Sports-related injuries

Quick turns, sudden pivots, or direct impact during activities such as football, basketball, or tennis can strain the knee and cause an acute tear. These injuries are commonly seen among active individuals in Singapore.

Age-related wear and tear

As we age, the meniscus becomes less flexible. Everyday actions like squatting, kneeling, or climbing stairs may gradually weaken it, leading to a tear even without a clear injury.

Previous knee injuries

Earlier knee trauma can leave the joint less stable, increasing the chance of a meniscus tear later on.

Risk is higher with contact sports, poor landing techniques, or inadequate knee support during physical activity. 

What Are the Symptoms of Knee Meniscus Tear?

Knee meniscus tear symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, daily limitations. If your pain persists, worsens, or restricts your ability to perform simple actions, it's best to have it assessed by a knee pain specialist. 

  • Knee Pain: Often felt as a sharp, debilitating pain that may be one-sided. It worsens with additional pressure or weight-bearing.  
  • Stiffness: Joint stiffness that can impede daily functions, making tasks like walking, bending, climbing stairs, or getting out of a car difficult. 
  • Swelling and Tenderness: The affected region may experience marked swelling and become tender to the touch. 
  • Instability or Locking: The knee may feel unstable, as though it is "giving out", or it may occasionally lock in a fixed position, restricting movement. 

What Are the Options for Knee Meniscus Tears Treatment in Singapore?

Conservative Treatments

If your knee meniscus tear is mild (such as a small, stable tear), you will benefit from conservative treatments, including:

  • Physical therapy: A guided rehabilitation programme helps reduce pain, strengthen the knee, and restore movement. Exercises are tailored to your condition and comfort level.
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medication may be used short-term to ease pain and swelling, allowing you to move more comfortably during recovery.
  • Knee Brace: A brace can provide support, limit excessive movement, and reduce strain on the injured meniscus during daily activities.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If your knee discomfort has been persistent or more severe—especially for tears that have not responded to initial rest and medication—minimally invasive treatments can address the exact source without the need for open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we offer precise procedures designed to ease your symptoms at their root and help you move comfortably again.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP may help reduce pain by supporting the body’s natural healing response. While the meniscus may not fully heal, many patients experience better comfort and function.

Coreflex Injections

These targeted injections address pain from both the knee and surrounding structures, helping to reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and referred pain.

Surgical Treatment

Generally, surgery is typically reserved for severe injuries, such as a complete tear, or when non-surgical treatments have failed to resolve symptoms after several months.

  • Arthroscopy : A key-hole procedure that repairs and treats knee meniscus tears. It involves making a small incision in the knee to insert a micro camera and surgical devices.

How Singapore Paincare Treats Knee Meniscus Tear? 

At Singapore Paincare, our pain specialists use the proprietary Painostic® method, developed from years of clinical experience, to accurately diagnose knee meniscus tears. This in-house approach goes beyond standard imaging and physical examination to identify the exact location, pattern, and underlying contributors to your knee pain, allowing us to map treatment pathways tailored specifically to your condition and activity level. 

We prioritise the least invasive treatment options for meniscus tears, including targeted knee injections and minimally invasive procedures to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function. These treatments are often supported by medication and structured physical rehabilitation to restore knee stability, strength, and mobility. Even in complex or persistent meniscus tear cases, this integrated approach helps relieve pain, support healing, improve movement, and reduce the risk of further knee injury or long-term joint degeneration. 

How to Prevent Knee Meniscus Tear？

While not all injuries can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

  • Using a knee brace when your knee is weak or unstable
  • Wearing proper athletic shoes
  • Strengthen the muscle that supports and stabilizes your knee

Frequently Asked Questions 

A knee meniscus tear has limited ability to heal fully because the cartilage has a poor blood supply. However, many small or degenerative tears can become much less painful with the right non-surgical treatment. With proper care, swelling reduces, movement improves, and daily activities often become more comfortable again.

No. Most knee meniscus tears do not require surgery. Many patients experience good pain relief and functional improvement through conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, targeted injections, and activity modification. Surgery is only considered if pain, locking, or instability continues despite these measures.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of knee meniscus tear and your activity level. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved movement within a few weeks. The goal is gradual, steady improvement—so you can walk, climb stairs, and move with confidence again.

Yes. PRP injections are generally safe and use your body’s own healing components. For some patients with a knee meniscus tear, PRP can help reduce pain and improve comfort, even if the tear itself does not fully heal. Results vary, and your doctor will advise if it is suitable for you.

Yes. Effective treatment aims to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve confidence in using your knee. Many patients find they can return to work, exercise, and daily routines with far less discomfort and worry once their knee meniscus tear is properly managed.

A Message About Knee Meniscus Tear from Our Pain Specialist 

Knee pain from a knee meniscus tear can be sharp and limiting, making it difficult to stand, walk, or put weight on the leg. While some tears occur after injury, others develop gradually due to age-related changes—even without a clear cause. 

Once the meniscus is torn, it does not easily heal or grow back. Surgery, when needed, usually involves trimming the damaged portion rather than fully repairing it. In many cases, non-surgical treatments can still provide meaningful relief. PRP injections, for example, may help reduce pain and improve comfort, even if the knee does not feel exactly as it once did. 

For severe tears in an advanced, worn knee, knee replacement may be considered as a last option. 

At Singapore Paincare, our Painostic® method goes beyond treating symptoms. We identify the real source of discomfort and build an individualised, minimally invasive plan — so you can move comfortably and confidently again.