Knee Cartilage Injury
A knee cartilage injury, commonly called a meniscus tear, occurs when one of the cartilage cushions in the knee becomes damaged. The knee contains two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci, which act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and shin bone. When these structures are injured, it can lead to knee pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Physiotherapy treatment is highly effective in reducing pain, restoring knee movement, and helping patients safely return to normal activities and sports.
What is a Knee Cartilage Injury?
The knee joint contains two important cartilage structures known as the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus. These C-shaped tissues sit between the bones of the knee and serve several important functions:
- Absorbing shock during walking and running
- Stabilising the knee joint
- Distributing weight across the knee
- Protecting the joint surfaces from wear
A knee cartilage injury occurs when one of these menisci becomes torn or damaged. This condition is often referred to as a meniscal tear or torn knee cartilage.
Meniscus injuries can occur suddenly due to trauma or gradually due to wear and tear over time.
Causes
Knee cartilage injuries usually occur due to twisting or rotational forces applied to the knee joint.
Common causes include:
- Sudden twisting or pivoting movements
- Sports injuries such as football, basketball, or skiing
- Landing awkwardly after jumping
- Direct impact to the knee
- Degenerative changes associated with ageing
- Repetitive stress on the knee joint
Meniscus injuries may also occur alongside other knee injuries, including:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries
These combined injuries can affect overall knee stability.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a knee cartilage injury can vary depending on the severity of the tear.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain inside the knee joint
- Swelling around the knee
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Clicking or popping sensations in the knee
- Knee locking or catching during movement
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle weakness around the knee
- Balance and stability problems
In younger individuals, symptoms usually appear after a specific injury event, while in older adults they may develop gradually.
What Should I Do?
If you suspect a knee cartilage injury, immediate care can help reduce swelling and prevent further damage.
The RICE method is recommended during the first 24–48 hours:
Rest – avoid weight-bearing on the injured leg; crutches may be helpful.
Ice – apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours to reduce swelling.
Compression – use an elastic bandage around the knee to control swelling.
Elevation – keep the knee raised above heart level when resting.
It is important to seek physiotherapy assessment within 48 hours if possible.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy plays an essential role in the treatment and rehabilitation of knee cartilage injuries.
At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists perform a detailed knee assessment and develop a personalised rehabilitation program.
Treatment may include:
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Structured rehabilitation programs help patients return safely to sports and physical activities.
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises target muscles around the knee, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, to improve stability.
Range of Motion Exercises
Gentle exercises restore knee flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Balance and Stability Training
Proprioception exercises improve joint stability and coordination.
Taping Techniques
Knee taping may help support the joint and reduce strain during movement.
Hydrotherapy
Water-based exercises allow safe strengthening and mobility while reducing stress on the knee.
In some cases, physiotherapists may recommend further medical evaluation or imaging if surgical treatment is needed.
What Shouldn’t I Do?
If you suspect a knee cartilage injury, avoid:
- Continuing sports or high-impact activities
- Twisting movements of the knee
- Ignoring persistent knee pain
- Delaying professional assessment
- Returning to activity too quickly
These actions may worsen the injury and delay recovery.
Long-Term Effects or Recovery
Knee cartilage has a limited blood supply, which means some tears may not heal completely on their own.
Possible long-term symptoms may include:
- Knee swelling
- Clicking or catching sensations
- Joint locking
- Knee instability or giving way
If conservative treatment is not effective, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may be performed to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.
Most patients recover well with physiotherapy rehabilitation, typically returning to normal activities within a few months.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports, our physiotherapists specialise in sports injuries and knee rehabilitation.
Our clinic provides:
- Evidence-based physiotherapy treatment
- Comprehensive knee injury assessment
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes
- Sports injury recovery programs
- Injury prevention strategies
Our goal is to help patients reduce pain, restore knee stability, and return safely to their normal activities.
Book an Appointment
If you suspect a knee cartilage injury or meniscus tear, early physiotherapy treatment can help improve recovery and prevent further complications.
ACE Physio Sports
Website: acephysiosport.com Phone: +65 81535374 Email: admin@acephysiosport.com
Contact us today to arrange your physiotherapy consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my knee hurt when I go up or down stairs?
Stair pain is a hallmark of many knee conditions, including Knee Cartilage Injury. Stairs significantly increase the load through the knee joint and surrounding structures. Physiotherapy identifies where the weakness or irritation lies and targets it with specific exercises.
My knee swells after activity — is that serious?
Post-activity swelling in Knee Cartilage Injury indicates the knee is being irritated beyond its current tolerance. Physiotherapy can reduce inflammation, help modify your activity load, and progressively build the knee's capacity to handle more demand.
Can I still exercise with Knee Cartilage Injury?
Yes — low-impact exercise like swimming, cycling, and targeted strength training is usually fine and beneficial. Your physiotherapist will identify which activities are appropriate and create a programme that builds knee strength without aggravating your condition.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
Book an Appointment