Meniscus cartilage injuries
Specialist knee expertise
A clearer way forward
See a consultant who will listen to your concerns and assess your knee thoroughly.
Straightforward guidance
Know what comes next
We’ll talk you through your diagnosis and treatment options, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Move with confidence
Recovery built around you
Your treatment plan will focus on easing pain and improving movement, helping you return to the activities that matter most to you.
What causes meniscus cartilage injuries?
The menisci are two C-shaped pads of cartilage that sit between the bones in each of your knees. They act as shock absorbers, and stabilisers, helping to cushion the joint and support smooth, stable movement. A meniscus can tear if your knee twists while your foot stays planted. This may happen during sport, when changing direction quickly, or while lifting something heavy. Deep bending or an awkward movement can also cause a meniscus injury. As we get older, the cartilage naturally becomes less flexible over time, making it more brittle and so prone to damage during everyday actions such as kneeling or a deep bent position. Either the medial meniscus on the inside of your knee or the lateral meniscus on the outside may be damaged. During your assessment, your consultant will consider how your injury happened alongside any other changes within your knee.
What are the symptoms of a meniscus cartilage injury?
Symptoms can develop immediately after an injury or appear over the following hours or days. You might notice:
- Pain on the inside or outside of your knee
- Swelling or stiffness
- Clicking or catching, sometimes with a feeling that something is moving inside the joint
- Difficulty bending or fully straightening your knee
- Locking, where your knee becomes stuck with a block to straightening
- A feeling that your knee may give way
Some people are still able to walk after a meniscus tear, although pain and swelling may become more noticeable as time goes on. If your knee is locked or you’re unable to put weight on it, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Most meniscus tears occur slowly by attrition with time and these degenerate tears are normal with aging and often don’t need surgery
How are meniscus cartilage injuries diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by listening to how your symptoms started and understanding how they’re affecting your movement or daily activities. They’ll then examine your knee, checking for tenderness, swelling, and specific meniscus tests.
You may be asked to bend, straighten or rotate your knee . These movements can help your consultant understand which part of the knee may be affected and whether a meniscus injury is likely.
If needed, your consultant may recommend an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to look closely at the meniscus and other soft tissues within your knee. An X-ray alone can’t show a meniscus tear, but it may help pinpoint other changes that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Your consultant will explain any investigations clearly and talk you through the results.
How are meniscus cartilage injuries treated?
Treatment will depend on the type of meniscus injury you have and how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Some meniscus injuries can improve with non-surgical care. If your symptoms continue, the tear is unlikely to heal on its own, your consultant may recommend surgery. They’ll explain your treatment options clearly and help you choose the approach that best supports your recovery.
Treatment routes
The right approach will depend on the type of injury and the impact it has on your life.
Treatment often begins with simple measures to help reduce pain and improve movement. This may include temporarily changing any activities that worsen your symptoms. Pain relief may also be recommended.
A personalised physiotherapy programme can help you rebuild strength, improve stability and return to the activities you enjoy.
Recovery goals after meniscus cartilage injury surgery
Phase 1 goals:
Protect your knee as it begins to heal Manage pain and swelling Gradually restore comfortable movement Move safely using crutches or a brace, if advised
Phase 2 goals:
Improve your knee’s range of movement Build strength in the muscles that support your knee Walk more naturally and confidently Gradually return to light daily activities, as advised
Phase 3 goals:
Continue building strength and control Increase your activity levels at a pace that feels manageable Prepare for more physically demanding work or activities Return to sport gradually when your care team confirms it’s safe
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments
Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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