Knee Cartilage Injury
An articular cartilage injury affects the smooth tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones in your knee joint. Damage to this cartilage can cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving your knee.
What is a knee cartilage injury?
A knee cartilage injury happens when the cartilage inside your knee joint becomes damaged. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue that helps your knee move smoothly and absorb shock when you walk, run or jump.
There are 2 main types of cartilage in the knee:
articular cartilage – covers the ends of bones and allows smooth joint movement
meniscal cartilage – two C-shaped pads (menisci) that act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and shin bone
Injury can affect one or both types. These injuries are common, especially in people who play sports or have physically active jobs. They can range from small areas of damage to more severe tears.
At Welbeck, our orthopaedic specialists offer expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment in our state-of-the-art Orthopaedic centre to help you recover safely and return to your usual activities.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 4+. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatric Orthopaedics page.
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Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some people notice symptoms straight away, while others develop them over time.
Common symptoms include:
knee pain, especially when moving or bearing weight
swelling in or around the knee
stiffness or reduced range of movement
a catching, locking or clicking sensation in the knee
feeling that the knee may give way or is unstable
difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
If the injury is minor, symptoms may improve with rest. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a specialist.
Knee cartilage injuries are often caused by trauma or repeated strain on the joint.
Common causes include:
sports injuries – twisting or turning movements, especially in football, rugby or skiing
sudden impact – such as a fall or direct blow to the knee
repetitive stress – overuse from running, jumping or kneeling
age-related wear and tear – cartilage can weaken over time
Risk factors
Some factors that can increase your risk of developing a knee cartilage injury include:
previous knee injuries, especially ligament injury
weak muscles around the knee
poor movement patterns or joint alignment
increasing age
At your initial consultation, your consultant will ask about your symptoms, how the injury happened, and your medical history. They’ll then examine your knee to assess movement, stability, and areas of tenderness.
In some cases, a diagnosis can be made from this assessment alone. However, tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the injury.
These may include:
MRI scan – provides detailed images of cartilage and soft tissues
X-ray – helps rule out bone injuries or arthritis. Weight-bearing X-rays can identify significant damage to the articular cartilage
Your consultant may recommend tests even if they’re confident in the diagnosis, to guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Not all cartilage injuries can be prevented, especially those caused by sudden accidents. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
warming up properly before exercise
strengthening the muscles around your knee, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings
using correct technique during sports and physical activity
wearing appropriate footwear
avoiding sudden increases in activity levels
maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints
If you’ve had a previous knee injury, following a structured rehabilitation programme can also help prevent further damage.
Most knee cartilage injuries can be managed effectively with the right treatment. However, if left untreated, they can lead to complications.
These may include:
ongoing pain and swelling
reduced mobility and stiffness
repeated episodes of the knee locking or giving way
further damage to the joint structures
early development of osteoarthritis
While these complications can sound concerning, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk. Your consultant will guide you through the best approach for your individual situation.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, your symptoms, your activity level and your overall health. At Welbeck, we provide personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Treatment options may include:
rest and activity modification – avoiding movements that worsen symptoms
physiotherapy – exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability
pain relief medication – such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines
knee supports or braces – to provide stability during recovery
injections – including steroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
arthroscopic surgery – to repair or remove damaged cartilage
cartilage repair procedures – such as microfracture or cartilage grafting in selected cases
Your consultant will explain the benefits and risks of each option and help you decide on the most suitable treatment.
At Welbeck, our orthopaedic specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Some minor cartilage injuries can improve with rest and physiotherapy. However, cartilage has a limited blood supply, so healing can be slow. More severe injuries often need medical treatment to prevent long-term problems.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment used. Minor injuries may improve within a few weeks, while recovery after surgery can take several months. Your consultant will give you a clear recovery plan.
Gentle walking can help maintain movement and prevent stiffness, but it’s important not to overdo it and be guided by your surgeon or physiotherapist. High-impact activities should be avoided during recovery. Your physiotherapist will guide you on safe levels of activity.
You should see a specialist if your knee pain does not improve after a few days of rest, if your knee locks or gives way, or if swelling and stiffness persist. Early assessment helps prevent further damage and supports a better recovery.