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Cartilage injury
Cartilage damage is a relatively common condition often involves the knees, but joints such as the hips, ankles and elbows can also be affected.
What is a cartilage injury?
Cartilage is the resilient, flexible tissue covering the internal surfaces of our joint, found throughout our bodies. It acts as a cushion and allowing bones to slide over one another. It can become damaged as a result of sudden injury or gradual wear and tear. Minor injuries may get better on their own but more severe damage may require surgery.
Need to know
- Swelling, which may worsen for a few hours or even days after the injury first happens
- Joint pain, including when resting and when you put weight on it
- Stiffness
- Grinding, cracking or popping from the joint
Your consultant will examine the joint to determine the extent of your injury. They may also refer you for imaging tests including:
- X-rays
- MRI and/or CT scans
- Arthroscopy; a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and assess problems within the joints
Minor cartilage injuries are usually treated using self care measures. It's only in the more severe cases that invasive treatments are recommended.
Treatment options include:
- Resting the affected area
- Raising the affected limb and using an ice pack to cool the area
- Over the counter painkillers
- Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- A brace or other type of support to protect the limb
- surgery, such as knee or hip replacement, depending on the type of injury and severity
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.