Are you looking for a knee surgeon in Kings Park, NY, just minutes from Smithtown? If you’re experiencing knee swelling, stiffness, pain while twisting, or difficulty straightening your knee, you may be dealing with a meniscus tear. These injuries are extremely common—and when left untreated, they can lead to long-term knee instability and arthritis.
At Mirza Orthopedics, our orthopedic surgeons —
Dr. Ather Mirza,
Dr. Justin Mirza,
and Dr. P. Guillen — specialize in advanced knee diagnostics and treatment. Our goal is simple: get you back to your active life with as little downtime as possible.
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
Your knee contains an inner (medial) and outer (lateral) meniscus, which are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion and stabilize the joint. A torn meniscus is one of the most frequently diagnosed knee injuries.
These injuries often happen during activities that involve:
- Twisting the knee
- Rotating while bearing weight
- Squatting or pivoting
- Sports like basketball, tennis, soccer, or running
Even daily activities—getting up from a low seat or stepping awkwardly—can cause a tear. For more knee-related conditions, see our Knee Injuries page.
Common Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
- Popping sensation at the time of injury
- Knee swelling or stiffness
- Pain with twisting or rotating
- Trouble straightening your leg
- Knee locking or catching
- Instability or buckling
- Persistent discomfort on the inside or outside of the knee
If knee pain is affecting your daily activities, you may also want to explore our guides on
what not to do with knee arthritis and
how to slow osteoarthritis progression.
How a Knee Surgeon in Kings Park NY Diagnoses a Meniscus Tear
At Mirza Orthopedics, diagnosis typically includes:
- Physical exam to assess knee stability and joint line tenderness
- X-ray to rule out fractures or arthritis — also see how bad osteoarthritis pain can get
- MRI to identify the type and severity of the tear
Accurate diagnosis is important—treatment varies depending on whether the tear is mild, degenerative, or requires surgical repair. If you’re exploring local options, learn more about seeing a knee doctor in Smithtown NY.
Meniscus Tear Treatment Options
Nonsurgical Care (For Mild to Moderate Tears)
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice and compression
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Possible injections such as cortisone injections or PRP injections
Many smaller tears can heal properly with conservative care. For more details on nonsurgical knee options, visit our Knee Injections page.
Surgical Treatment
If pain persists, your knee locks, or imaging shows a significant tear, surgery may be recommended. Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic meniscus surgery, which offers:
- Small incisions
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
- Quicker return to work, sports, and daily activity
If you require surgery and want a specialist nearby, you may also be interested in our pages for a
knee surgeon in Smithtown NY or
knee replacement surgery specialists.
We also treat complex knee issues including knee arthritis and advanced meniscus tears in Commack NY.
Contact Mirza Orthopedics – Knee Surgeon in Kings Park NY
If you believe you have a meniscus tear—or you’re experiencing knee pain that is getting worse instead of better—our team is here to help.
Schedule an evaluation today: