How do I know if I have damaged my knee cartilage?
Symptoms of cartilage damage
- joint pain – this may continue even when resting and worsen when you put weight on the joint.
- swelling – this may not develop for a few hours or days.
- stiffness.
- a clicking or grinding sensation.
- the joint locking, catching, or giving way.
Can you walk with torn knee cartilage?
A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.
Can torn cartilage in the knee repair itself?
Torn cartilage cannot heal very well on its own, because it does not usually have its own blood supply; it must therefore be repaired.
What happens if you have torn cartilage in your knee?
Torn cartilage can get caught between the structures of your knee, resulting in pain, swelling and sometimes a locking or catching sensation. You may also experience a feeling of instability and weakness.
Does xray show cartilage damage?
As cartilage does not show up on an X-ray, the loose body will only be visible if it consists of bone.
What happens if a meniscus tear is left untreated?
An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.
What does a torn knee cartilage feel like?
Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
Does cartilage damage show on MRI?
Although useful, an MRI cannot always detect cartilage damage. Arthroscopy – a tube-like instrument (arthroscope) is inserted into a joint to examine and repair it. This procedure can help determine the extent of cartilage damage.
What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis?
The four stages of osteoarthritis are:
- Stage 1 – Minor. Minor wear-and-tear in the joints. Little to no pain in the affected area.
- Stage 2 – Mild. More noticeable bone spurs.
- Stage 3 – Moderate. Cartilage in the affected area begins to erode.
- Stage 4 – Severe. The patient is in a lot of pain.