Joint Cartilage Injury
What Is a Joint Cartilage Injury?
Joint cartilage injuries occur when the smooth, protective cartilage that lines your joints becomes damaged. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows friction‑free movement. When injured, it can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking.
Unlike muscle or skin, cartilage has limited blood supply, which means healing is slower and often requires targeted physiotherapy to prevent long‑term degeneration.
Common Causes
- Traumatic impact — Falls, sports collisions, or sudden twisting.
- Repetitive overload — Running, jumping, or occupational strain.
- Degenerative changes — Age‑related thinning or early osteoarthritis.
- Poor biomechanics — Misalignment causing uneven cartilage wear.
- Post‑surgical changes — Meniscus or ligament surgery altering joint mechanics.
Symptoms
- Deep, localized joint pain
- Swelling or stiffness after activity
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
- Difficulty with weight‑bearing
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain during stairs, squatting, or kneeling
How Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapy plays a critical role in protecting remaining cartilage, improving joint mechanics, and reducing symptoms.
Treatment Focus
- Biomechanical correction — Ensures proper load distribution across the joint.
- Manual therapy — Restores joint mobility and reduces compensatory muscle tension.
- Strengthening protocols — Targets stabilizing muscles to reduce cartilage stress.
- Neuromuscular training — Improves joint control and movement efficiency.
- Load management — Adjusting activity levels to prevent flare‑ups.
- Bracing or taping — Provides temporary support during recovery.
- Education — Helps you understand healing timelines and prevention strategies.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
Your physiotherapist will perform:
- Detailed joint mobility testing
- Strength and stability evaluation
- Gait or movement analysis
- Palpation to identify cartilage‑related pain patterns
- Review of imaging (MRI, X‑ray) if available
- Development of a personalized rehabilitation plan
You should book an assessment if you experience:
- Swelling after activity
- Clicking or locking sensations
- Difficulty with stairs or squatting
- A recent injury involving twisting or impact
Early intervention prevents small cartilage injuries from progressing into chronic degeneration.