Menu
A meniscus tear.
Understand your options.
A sudden twist. A knee that catches. An unexpected finding on your MRI. Start with an evaluation that connects your symptoms, examination, and imaging before deciding what comes next.
Non-surgical knee care on Weston Road · Serving Weston, Sunrise and Broward County
One diagnosis.
Different decisions.
The menisci are two pads of cartilage that help cushion and stabilize the knee. Tears can follow an injury or develop as the tissue changes over time.
The tear’s pattern and location, your symptoms, and your activity goals help guide treatment. Not every tear requires immediate surgery.
Changes in how
your knee feels.
Tell us what happened, how quickly symptoms appeared, and which movements are now difficult.
Pain & swelling
Tenderness, stiffness, or swelling may develop after an injury, sometimes over the following days.
Catching or clicking
You may notice clicking, catching, or difficulty bending and straightening your knee.
A knee that gives way
A feeling of instability can affect walking and everyday activity. Similar symptoms can occur with other injuries.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you cannot bear weight or bend or straighten the knee, have severe pain after injury, or develop a hot, swollen knee with fever. Do not wait for an online appointment response.
Put the pieces
together.
Bring your MRI images and report if you have them. Tell us about previous injuries, surgery, and the treatments you have already tried.
- Listen: How did symptoms begin? Does the knee catch, swell, or give way?
- Examine: Assess tenderness, movement, and relevant knee findings.
- Review: MRI can assess the meniscus. X-rays may help identify other causes of pain, such as arthritis.
- Plan: Discuss reasonable next steps, expectations, costs, and when to reassess.
Explore the right
path for your knee.
Come ready to discuss the activities you want to return to and the questions you want answered.
Non-surgical care
When appropriate, care may include activity modification, rehabilitation, and symptom management.
Movement & strength
Physical therapy may help improve knee movement, strength, and pain. Your clinician can guide the progression.
A surgical opinion
Persistent symptoms or certain tear patterns may warrant surgical evaluation. Ask how the findings affect the timing and options.
Ask what the evidence means for you.
Biologic treatments for meniscus tears remain under study. If PRP or BMAC is proposed, discuss the evidence for your specific situation, risks, alternatives, costs, and how progress will be measured.
Explore NSI treatment options ↗Want to meet the clinicians behind your care? Meet the NSI team ↗
Bring the bigger picture.
Have X-rays or an MRI? Bring the images and written reports, along with your medication list and details of previous therapy, injections, or surgery.
View the first-visit guide ↗Before your evaluation.
Does a meniscus tear always need surgery?
No. Some tears can be managed without immediate surgery. The decision depends on the injury, symptoms, and response to care.
Can a tear improve without an operation?
Some people improve with non-surgical care. Healing potential and symptom improvement vary; an evaluation helps set expectations.
Do I need an MRI before contacting NSI?
No. Contact the team first and bring any imaging you already have. Your clinician can determine what additional testing is useful.
What if my knee is locked?
If you cannot bend or straighten your knee, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine online appointment.
What if my report also mentions arthritis?
Bring the complete report and images so both findings can be discussed. Read our knee osteoarthritis guide ↗
What should I ask before choosing treatment?
Ask why the option is recommended, what improvement is realistic, what alternatives exist, and when the plan will be reassessed. Request a clear explanation of costs and coverage.
Patient education sources: AAOS: Meniscus Tears · NHS: Meniscus tear. Educational information does not replace an individual evaluation.
Questions about PRP?
Learn about the procedure, evidence and questions to ask during an evaluation of your condition.
Explore platelet-rich plasma (PRP) ↗Request a Meniscus Evaluation
Tell us how to reach you and whether you are seeking knee or spine care. Our team will follow up about your appointment request.
Prefer to call? 954-280-2230
Formulario disponible en inglés y español.
Having trouble viewing the form? Open the appointment request form ↗