Articular Cartilage Injuries
Articular cartilage injuries affect the smooth, protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones inside your joints. When this surface is damaged, the joint can become painful, irritated, and less able to move smoothly. These injuries most often occur in the knee but can also involve the ankle, hip, or shoulder.
Damage may follow a sudden injury, repetitive stress, or gradual wear. Because cartilage has limited ability to heal, symptoms can persist without proper care. At OrthoNJ, we evaluate your symptoms, discuss your goals, and create a plan to help you return to the activities you enjoy.
What Are the Symptoms of Articular Cartilage Injuries?
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness and limited motion
- Clicking, catching, or locking
- Giving way or weakness
- Delayed soreness after activity
- Tenderness to touch
What Causes Articular Cartilage Injuries?
- Trauma or impact: A fall, collision, or twisting injury can bruise or tear the cartilage surface.
- Repetitive overuse: High training volumes or repetitive loading can gradually wear the cartilage.
- Joint instability or misalignment: Prior ligament injuries or alignment issues can increase uneven pressure on cartilage.
- Meniscus or labrum problems: Damage to joint shock absorbers can shift loads and stress the cartilage.
- Age-related wear: Cartilage can thin and crack over time, especially with lifelong heavy use.
- Excess body weight: Higher loads across weight-bearing joints can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
How to Prevent Articular Cartilage Injuries
- Strength and control: Build hip, core, and leg strength to support joints and improve movement control.
- Gradual training: Increase mileage, intensity, or load in small steps to allow your body to adapt.
- Cross-training: Mix low-impact options like cycling or swimming to reduce repetitive joint stress.
- Proper footwear and technique: Use supportive shoes and practice good form for your sport or job.
- Healthy body weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on knees, hips, and ankles.
- Address prior injuries: Follow rehab plans and use braces or supports if recommended to protect healing joints.
- Early rest and recovery: Ease back when pain or swelling appears and add recovery days to your routine.
- Warm up and mobility: Gentle motion and dynamic warmups prepare tissues for activity.
When to Seek Orthopaedic Care for Articular Cartilage Injuries
- Severe pain and swelling: Intense symptoms or rapid joint swelling can signal a significant injury that needs prompt evaluation.
- Locking or catching: A joint that catches or locks may indicate a loose cartilage fragment that requires medical attention.
- Instability or giving way: Recurrent buckling or a feeling that the joint will not hold you up should be assessed.
- Symptoms lasting beyond rest: Pain that persists more than one to two weeks despite rest, ice, and activity changes deserves a checkup.
- Inability to bear weight: Trouble standing or walking on the affected limb is a reason to seek urgent care.
- Recurrent swelling after activity: Swelling that repeatedly returns following exercise may reflect ongoing cartilage irritation.
An orthopedic surgeon is recommended for articular cartilage injuries. They can evaluate your joint with a physical exam and imaging, then guide you through nonsurgical care and discuss surgical options when appropriate. The team at OrthoNJ is here to help you understand your choices and move forward with confidence.
Find An OrthoNJ Location
Contact one of OrthoNJ's locations spread out through all of New Jersey.
Why Choose an OrthoNJ Doctor for Your Care?
OrthoNJ is different from your typical medical provider. Unlike many in the industry, we prioritize patient care over profits. Our six divisions work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. We believe in the "Power to Put Patients First," and our doctors and divisional partners strive to uphold this commitment in every aspect of our care.
- With over 120 fantastic physicians, all board-certified, board-qualified, or fellowship-trained, OrthoNJ offers top-tier expertise across a wide range of specialties.
- We serve over 250 communities throughout New Jersey, providing treatment and continuing care for various orthopedic needs.
- With more than 30 statewide offices, our reach extends across the entire state. Whether in North Jersey, South Jersey, or anywhere between, OrthoNJ proudly serves you.
This treatment info is for informational purposes only. Treatment and recovery vary person to person, and you should consult with your treating physician and team for details on your treatment and recovery process.
