The symptoms are most consistent with an degenerative medial meniscus tear and chondral wear. Treatment options to consider include physical therapy for quadriceps/gluteal strengthening, corticosteroid injection, viscosupplementation, or PRP injection. If your symptoms don’t resolve with these treatments or you begin experiencing knee locking, then it is reasonable to consider knee arthroscopy and meniscetomy. The meniscus is the main shock absorber for the knee and is important in maintaining knee stability. There are 2 types of causes in regards to meniscus tears. These include either traumatic or degenerative tears in nature. Traumatic tears typically occur in individuals under the age of 40. This can be associated with knee locking and treatment is generally more surgical. Degenerative meniscus tears often occur in individuals over the age of 40. Degenerative meniscus tears are common and often times do not cause pain. Recent evidence has challenged the clinical dogma that knee arthroscopy is required for degenerative meniscus tears. Exercise and quadriceps strengthening emerging as a viable clinical alternative.
