What Is a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury involving one of the two crescent-shaped cartilage structures inside the joint known as the menisci. These pads sit between the thigh bone and shin bone and act as shock absorbers that help distribute weight, stabilize the knee, and protect the joint surfaces whenever you move.
Meniscus tears happen most often during sports and other physically demanding activities, but they can also develop with age as the cartilage starts to wear down naturally. In these cases, even routine movements such as squatting or stepping awkwardly may trigger sharp pain, swelling, stiffness, or buckling.
Not all meniscus tears behave the same way, which is why we recommend scheduling a consultation and exam with Dr. Mairin Jerome at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care if you've noticed any changes in the way your knee moves, even if it's not accompanied by pain. Without treatment, this type of injury can have a dramatic impact on the muscles and ligaments around the joint as your body tries to compensate.
If you're experiencing discomfort or knee problems that haven't improved with home care, reach out to the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care in Atlanta, GA to learn more about treatment for a meniscus tear.
Learn more about other knee conditions Dr. Jerome provides treatment for.
How Do You Treat a Meniscus Tear?
The recommended treatment for a meniscus tear depends on where the tear is located and how it occurred. During your consultation, Dr. Jerome will learn more about the injury, the symptoms you're experiencing, and how it's affecting your movement before taking a closer look at the area using our practice's advanced imaging tools. Nonsurgical treatment is typically most effective for minor meniscus tears, those that occur naturally over time, or when the knee is mostly stable. If surgery is recommended, Dr. Jerome will refer you to a specialist to discuss more.
Nonsurgical treatment for a meniscus tear usually includes physical therapy, focused exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to help strengthen the knee while keeping as much stress off it as possible. In some cases, Dr. Jerome may recommend orthobiologic injections (such as platelet-rich plasma, microfragmented adipose tissue, or bone marrow aspirate concentrate), shockwave therapy, or prolotherapy injections, all of which are performed at our Atlanta, GA practice. Whichever approach Dr. Jerome suggests, the goal is to reduce pain, restore smoother knee function, improve stability during movement, and help you get back to your routine with greater comfort and confidence.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for a Meniscus Tear?
An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from a meniscus tear each year. While they're more common among athletes and older individuals, they can happen to anyone, even from something as small as taking an awkward step. For individuals looking for help managing a meniscus tear, our nonsurgical treatment options at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care offer a number of potential benefits, including:
- Reducing knee pain during common weight-bearing activities, such as walking or squatting
- Improving the knee's ability to bend and straighten more comfortably
- Decreasing swelling and irritation within the joint
- Helping the knee move more smoothly with less catching or locking
- Supporting stronger muscular control around the injured knee
- Reducing strain placed on surrounding cartilage and ligaments
- Helping preserve healthy joint mechanics during daily activity and exercise
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Protect Your Joints from Long-Term Damage
Whether you're trying to maintain an active lifestyle or just get through your daily routine in comfort, healthy knees are crucial for smooth, stable leg movement. If a meniscus tear is causing pain or buckling, you may be a candidate for treatment at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care in Atlanta, GA. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome to discover how our treatments can help you manage a torn meniscus and protect your knee health.