Any injury to the cartilage in the knee joint is termed as knee cartilage damage. The bones are protected and covered by the cartilage and act as a shock absorber and reduces friction during movements. Damage to this tissue can lead to discomfort and a severe problem which impacts daily life activities. Knee cartilage can also wear down over time. As when the tissue quality degenerates with overuse and aging, there is potential for cartilage loss in the knee.
With knee cartilage injury, pain and locking of the knee can lead to difficulty in running, walking and other activities. Knee cartilage damage can occur when a person falls heavily or there is a hard contact with another person or an object, in that case the cartilage of the knee may be torn.
Knee Cartilage Injury can be caused mainly by – hard hit to the knee while running or falling on the ground or by getting hit into some hard object or platform. When the knee is twisted while doing some aggressive activity. Due to recurring injuries in the knee joint.
Some cartilage injuries can also result from overuse injuries during adolescence and result in loose pieces of cartilage in the joint. Some sports may also contribute to getting knee cartilage injuries like soccer, football, basketball and skiing. If the injury is not given attention in its initial stage, then this may lead to further problems as it will start to damage the nearby area around the damaged knee.
What are symptoms of cartilage damage in the knee?
Knee cartilage plays a critical role in the smooth movement of the knee joint. Damage to the essential structure can significantly impact your daily life activities and may lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Understanding the symptoms of knee cartilage damage is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment, that can help you to cure before it gets worse. Some common symptoms of knee cartilage damage are –
Pain in the knee – Persistent pain in the knee, especially during any weight bearing activities and movements is one of the most common symptoms for damage in knee cartilage. The pain may be mild or severe, depending on the damage.
Swelling and Inflammation – The injured or damaged cartilage may trigger the swelling around the knee joint area. This may feel warm and tender in the injured area.
Stiffness – People often face the problem of difficulty in doing any movement like bending and straightening the knee. This stiffness can be challenging to perform daily activities.
Grinding Sensation – When there is any movement, people will feel a grinding or cracking sensation in the knee joint areas, it happens when the damaged cartilage loses its smooth joint movement.
Instability or Weakness – When there is any difficulty in doing movements and your joints feel weaker than usual, this may indicate cartilage damage. This is often due to the compromised structure and support of the joint.
Locking of the knee joint – In some cases, the knee may get locked in a certain position while doing some activities, making it difficult to move.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, consult a specialist. A doctor can diagnose knee cartilage damage by physical examination. In physical examination, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan and an X-ray can help rule out an injury to the bones and determine the issue. Early diagnosis is key to preventing further joint deterioration, so people should not avoid any symptom. If they overlook any of the symptoms of knee cartilage damage, it may lead to severe issues.
Average recovery time for knee cartilage injury is around three to four months, it can also extend up to nine months, in several cases it can extend to 18 months which mostly varies from person’s age.
Restoring Knee Cartilage Regeneration Surgery – The advancement in medical science, has brought restoring knee cartilage, it has become a viable option for many patients. The treatment of knee cartilage is based on the type of cartilage damage. This advanced treatment helps patients regain mobility in their knees and lead a pain free life so that they can perform any activity in their everyday life freely and smoothly. So do not let knee cartilage damage hinder your lifestyle.
