Can cortisone offer relief for meniscus tear?

Pain relief only: Meniscal tears generally do not heal. Inflammation is a normal step in healing, and steroids block inflammation. Any relief that one feels after a steroid injection is from inflammation reduction. Generally, acute meniscal tears require surgery, unless they are very small.

Yes: However, it is usually only temporary. Most of the meniscus tears dont heal and will eventually become symptomatic again. With small tears, cortisone can be very helpful with the pain, but dont be shocked if the pain returns and you need an arthroscopy to fix the torn menisus.

Potentially: This is very possible, though some people do not have any relief of symptoms from an injection. Ask your physician if an injection is the right treatment for you.