Knee Cartilage Injury: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The knee joint relies on cartilage to support smooth and efficient movement while cushioning the bones during activities. Damage to this cartilage can disrupt daily mobility and lead to discomfort or long-term joint complications if untreated. This article provides an overview of knee cartilage injuries, their causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

What Is Knee Cartilage?

Cartilage is a specialised tissue found in the knee, serving as both a cushion and a facilitator of movement. There are two main types of cartilage in the knee:

Articular Cartilage

This smooth, glossy tissue covers the ends of bones in the joint, reducing friction and aiding in effortless movement. It also helps to distribute weight evenly during physical activities.

Meniscus

This is a C-shaped cartilage structure that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh and shin bones. It helps stabilise the joint and protect other structures from wear and tear.

Symptoms of Knee Cartilage Injuries

Knee cartilage injuries often manifest through various physical and functional changes in the joint.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain is often localised around the knee and tends to worsen with movement or after prolonged periods of inactivity.

Swelling or Stiffness

The injured knee may appear swollen due to inflammation and feel stiff, making it difficult to bend or extend the leg fully.

Reduced Range of Motion

Damage to cartilage can limit how far the knee can move, affecting activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Locking or Catching Sensation

Loose fragments of cartilage within the joint can cause the knee to lock or catch suddenly during movement.

Instability

The knee may feel weak or unstable, especially when bearing weight.

Common Causes of Knee Cartilage Injuries

Knee cartilage injuries can arise from various factors, including trauma and gradual wear over time.

Traumatic Injuries

Sudden incidents, such as twisting the knee during sports or experiencing a direct blow to the joint, can cause acute cartilage damage. These injuries are common in athletes and physically active individuals.

Degenerative Changes

Over time, the cartilage can wear down due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, which leads to gradual joint damage. Repetitive use and ageing also contribute to this degeneration.

Other Contributing Factors

Genetic predisposition to weaker cartilage, combined with lifestyle factors such as obesity, may increase the likelihood of injury. Excess weight places additional strain on the joint, accelerating cartilage breakdown.

Diagnosing Knee Cartilage Injuries

Accurate diagnosis of a knee cartilage injury involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging techniques.

Medical History and Physical Examination

Doctors review symptoms, prior injuries, and activity levels to narrow down the potential cause. The physical examination includes testing joint movement, identifying areas of tenderness, and evaluating any swelling or instability.

Imaging Tests

X-rays are typically used to exclude bone-related injuries or abnormalities. MRI scans provide a more detailed view of the knee’s soft tissues, including cartilage, and are necessary for evaluating the extent of the injury.

Arthroscopy

For cases where imaging is inconclusive, arthroscopy may be performed. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera into the knee joint, allowing for a direct visual assessment of cartilage damage and other joint structures.

Treatment Options

The treatment for knee cartilage injuries varies depending on the severity and underlying cause. Options range from conservative measures to surgical interventions.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)

Resting the knee reduces stress on the joint, allowing it to heal. Applying ice helps alleviate swelling and inflammation, while compression and elevation minimise fluid build-up, promoting comfort and recovery.

Physiotherapy

Targeted exercises improve the strength and flexibility of muscles supporting the knee. This reduces strain on the joint and enhances stability. Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are often incorporated to avoid further stress.

Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and reduce swelling. These medications are generally recommended for short-term use during the initial recovery phase.

Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections improve the lubrication of the joint, facilitating smoother movement. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilises growth factors from the patient’s blood to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in some cases.

Surgical Treatment

Microfracture Technique

Small holes are drilled into the underlying bone to encourage the growth of fibrocartilage, a type of cartilage that can fill in damaged areas. This technique is often used for smaller injuries but may not restore the original cartilage’s full function.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implanation

This procedure involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells from the patient’s own body, cultivating them in a lab, and implanting them back into the damaged area. It is a two-step process designed to regenerate cartilage for long-term improvement.

Osteochondral Grafting

Healthy cartilage is taken from another part of the patient’s body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft) to replace the damaged cartilage. This method is suitable for larger defects and aims to restore both structure and function.

Meniscus Repair or Replacement

If the meniscus is damaged, it can often be repaired using stitching techniques that allow the tissue to heal. For cases where the damage is too extensive, the meniscus may be replaced with donor tissue to restore its function. These procedures aim to re-establish cushioning within the joint and prevent additional wear on surrounding cartilage and bone.

Preventing Knee Cartilage Injuries

Preventing knee cartilage injuries involves maintaining good joint health through balanced activities and appropriate habits. Regularly warming up before physical activities and performing stretching exercises can prepare muscles and joints for movement, reducing injury risks. Strengthening exercises, particularly for the quadriceps and hamstrings, can provide better knee support. Maintaining a healthy weight helps minimise stress on the knee joints, while wearing suitable footwear ensures proper alignment and cushioning during activities.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If knee pain, swelling, or reduced movement persists beyond a few days or worsens with time, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Sudden locking of the joint or a sensation of instability may indicate significant damage requiring medical intervention. Early evaluation can identify the issue and allow for timely treatment to prevent further joint complications.

Conclusion

Knee cartilage injuries can limit mobility and lead to long-term discomfort if not addressed. Recognising the symptoms and learning about the available treatment options can help manage the condition effectively. A combination of timely intervention, rehabilitation, and preventive measures supports joint health and reduces the likelihood of further complications.

For personalised advice and treatment, schedule a consultation today to discuss your specific knee concerns.