Cartilage damage in the knee

Knee pain that lingers after an injury or gradually worsens over time may be a sign of cartilage damage in the knee. This happens when the smooth tissue that cushions your joint becomes worn, torn or thinned, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, many patients find relief and get back to the activities they enjoy.

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Illustration of a human knee joint with labeled parts including quadriceps, femur, patella, and ligaments.

Anatomy of the knee

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It connects the femur, or thigh bone, to the tibia, or shinbone, and is supported by the patella (kneecap), ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

Two main types of cartilage help protect the knee. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones so they can glide smoothly against each other. Meniscal cartilage, known as the meniscus, acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia during weight-bearing activities like walking or running. Cartilage has very little blood supply, which limits its ability to heal on its own. When it becomes damaged or wears away, the underlying bone may become exposed, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced joint function.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing cartilage damage in the knee if you notice:

Ongoing knee pain during activity or at rest
Swelling, stiffness or tenderness around the joint
Grinding, catching or popping sensations
Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
Pain after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs
A feeling that the knee may give way

Symptoms often worsen over time and, without treatment, may progress to arthritis or joint degeneration.

Causes

Cartilage damage may develop gradually or occur suddenly. Common causes include:

Normal wear and tear with age
Repetitive strain from sports, work or high-impact activities
Traumatic injuries such as falls, twisting injuries or direct blows
Meniscus tears or ligament tears that destabilize the joint
Osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint conditions
Previous knee surgery or infection

Identifying the cause of your cartilage loss helps our specialists recommend the most effective treatment approach.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing knee cartilage damage, though having one or more of these does not mean the condition will develop:

Older age
Participation in high-impact sports or repetitive-motion work
A history of knee injuries, including meniscus or ligament tears
Existing osteoarthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions
Previous knee surgery or infection

Your orthopedic specialist can help you understand your personal risk and how to protect your knee health.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to diagnosing cartilage loss. Your evaluation may include a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history along with a physical examination to assess strength, stability and range of motion. X-rays can help evaluate joint spacing and check for signs of arthritis, while MRI imaging identifies the location and extent of cartilage injury. In select cases, arthroscopy may be used to directly visualize the joint.

We explain your results in clear, simple terms so you understand your diagnosis and options. The severity of cartilage damage can range from mild softening to larger areas of exposed bone, and your specialist will determine the extent of your injury during your evaluation to guide your treatment plan.

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