Does having a cortisone shot help a meniscus tear or is surgery the only option?

Meniscus tear: If it is primarily arthritis, synovitis, and just a degenerative fraying of theme miscues, the cortisone may help the surrounding inflammation. If a truly large tear with mechanical symptoms, get a scope.

Cortisone injection: A cortisone injection can be helpful for an older patient with a degenerative meniscal tear and associated osteoarthritis. The cortisone will not "heal" the tear but reduce some of the surrounding inflammation.

Will help the pain: The shot will help mask the pain, but will not help any potential healing.