Meniscus Injury Types: A Complete Guide by Physio360

INTRODUCTION;

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in physiotherapy clinics, and meniscus injuries are a leading cause. Whether you are an athlete, fitness enthusiast, office worker, or older adult, a meniscus tear can significantly affect your mobility, stability, and quality of life.

At Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Centre in Chennai, we frequently manage patients with meniscus injuries using advanced physiotherapy, manual therapy, and evidence-based rehabilitation programs to ensure fast recovery and long-term knee health.

What Is the Meniscus? 

The knee joint contains two menisci:

• Medial meniscus (inner side)

• Lateral meniscus (outer side)

These are C-shaped fibrocartilage structures that act as:

• ✔ Shock absorbers

• ✔ Knee stabilisers

• ✔ Load distributors

• ✔ Protectors of knee cartilage

Injury to the meniscus can occur due to sports trauma, twisting movements, degeneration, or repetitive stress.

Common Causes of Meniscus Injury

Meniscus injuries can result from:

• Sudden twisting of the knee

• Sports like football, badminton, basketball, or cricket

• Squatting or lifting heavy weights

• Age-related degeneration

• Road traffic accidents

• Poor biomechanics and muscle imbalance

At Physio360 Chennai, we identify the root cause of injury, not just the symptoms.

Types of Meniscus Injuries 

Understanding the type of meniscus tear is crucial for choosing the right physiotherapy treatment and avoiding unnecessary surgery.

1. Longitudinal (Vertical) Meniscus Tear

Description:

• Tear runs along the length of the meniscus

• Common in young athletes

Symptoms:

• Knee pain during twisting

• Swelling

• Knee locking or catching

Physiotherapy Role:

• Early rehab can often avoid surgery

• Strengthening and neuromuscular training

  
  

2. Radial Meniscus Tear

Description:

• Tear starts from the inner edge and extends outward

• Disrupts load transmission

Symptoms:

• Sudden sharp knee pain

• Instability

• Difficulty in weight-bearing

Physio360 Approach:

• Gait correction

• Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening

• Proprioceptive training

  
  

3. Horizontal Meniscus Tear

Description:

• A tear splits the meniscus into upper and lower parts

• Common in degenerative knees

Symptoms:

• Deep knee pain

• Swelling after activity

• Reduced knee flexibility

Best Treatment:

• Conservative physiotherapy

• Manual therapy

• Load management strategies

  
  

4. Bucket Handle Tear 

Description:

• A severe form of longitudinal tear

• Torn fragment flips into the joint

Symptoms:

• Knee locking

• Inability to fully straighten the knee

• Severe pain and swelling

Physiotherapy Role:

• Post-surgical rehabilitation

• Prevent stiffness and muscle wasting

• Restore full knee function

  
  

5. Flap (Oblique) Tear

Description:

• Small, unstable flap of cartilage

• Can catch inside the joint

Symptoms:

• Sudden pain during movement

• Clicking sensation

Physio360 Rehab Focus:

• Movement correction

• Muscle balance

• Functional knee training

  
  

6. Degenerative Meniscus Tear

Description:

• Occurs due to wear and tear

• Common after 40 years of age

Symptoms:

• Gradual onset knee pain

• Morning stiffness

• Pain while climbing stairs

Best Physiotherapy Treatment:

• Pain relief techniques

• Strengthening exercises

• Weight-bearing modification

• Lifestyle advice

  
  

Medial vs Lateral Meniscus Injuries

Feature	Medial Meniscus	Lateral Meniscus
Injury Rate	More common	Less common
Mobility	Less mobile	More mobile
Healing	Slower	Faster

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, treatment is customised based on which meniscus is involved.

Diagnosis of Meniscus Injury 

At Physio360, we use:

• Detailed clinical examination

• Special tests (McMurray, Thessaly, Apley)

• Functional movement assessment

• MRI correlation (if needed)

Our focus is on accurate diagnosis and personalised rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Meniscus Injury at Physio360 

Non-Surgical (Conservative) Management

✔ Pain and swelling control

✔ Knee strengthening exercises

✔ Manual therapy

✔ Balance and proprioception training

✔ Sports-specific rehabilitation

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

✔ Early mobility

✔ Muscle re-education

✔ Gradual return to sports

✔ Injury prevention strategies

We specialize in fast recovery physiotherapy, helping patients return to sports, dance, gym, and daily activities safely.

Why Choose Physio360 for Meniscus Injury Treatment? 

• ✔ Best physiotherapy centre in Chennai

• ✔ Experienced sports physiotherapists

• ✔ Evidence-based rehabilitation programs

• ✔ Individualised exercise plans

• ✔ Advanced manual therapy techniques

• ✔ Affordable and result-oriented care

Whether you searched for “meniscus injury treatment near me, “best physiotherapist for knee pain, or “sports physiotherapy in Chennai, Physio360 is your trusted destination.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist? 

Consult immediately if you experience:

• Knee locking or instability

• Persistent swelling

• Pain during sports or daily activities

• Difficulty squatting or climbing stairs

Early physiotherapy can prevent surgery and long-term knee damage.

Final Words 

Meniscus injuries vary in type, severity, and recovery time. The right diagnosis and physiotherapy treatment play a vital role in restoring knee health and preventing recurrence.

At Physio360, we believe in treating the cause, not just the pain.

Visit Physio360 – Best Physiotherapy Centre in Chennai

Book your consultation today for expert meniscus injury rehabilitation Get back to pain-free movement with Physio360 Fast Recovery Programs

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.Meniscus Tear: Pathology, Incidence, and Managementhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9205760/.

2.Evaluation of Meniscus Tears and Associated Conditions using Magnetic Resonance Imaging without Contrast Agent: A Retrospective Studyhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/392493749_Evaluation_of_Meniscus_Tears_and_Associated_Conditions_using_Magnetic_Resonance_Imaging_without_Contrast_Agent_A_Retrospective_Study