How to Treat Meniscus and Cartilage Knee Injuries

It’s not just pro basketball players; anyone can tear their meniscus or damage the cartilage tissues in their knees with overuse or injury, especially at older ages. You have two menisci in each knee joint, and the ends of the bones that connect at the knee are covered in a thin layer of cartilage. Both serve to protect and absorb the shock that the knee experiences every day, and both can be damaged or torn due to injury.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, especially after making a sharp, twisting motion while bearing weight on the knee, it may be a meniscus tear or cartilage injury. Fortunately, there are several ways you can seek effective treatment for these injuries.

Meniscus injury symptoms

When a meniscus—one of two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion the bones in your knee—tears, the pain can be immediate and intense. This injury often occurs after activities involving sharp, twisting movements while bearing weight on the knee. Here are the main meniscus injury symptoms to look out for:

• Popping noise when performing the movement that causes the injury
• Delayed knee pain
• Delayed stiffness
• Swelling
• Catching or knee locking
• Knee weakness – “giving way”
• Reduced range of motion

Many symptoms of a meniscus tear take a few days to appear, as the body recognizes the injury and begins to try to heal itself. This is when inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain will kick in, usually within 3 days of the injury occurring.

Knee cartilage damage symptoms

Knee cartilage injuries, such as damage to the smooth articular cartilage, are often less sudden, less noticeable, and less dramatic than meniscus tears. They can develop gradually through normal wear and tear or occur from a traumatic injury. These injuries may take some time and careful attention to diagnose but can present with the following symptoms:

• Knee pain
• Swelling
• Knee locking (due to loose material present within the joint)
• Clicking or clunking noises when moving the knee

One of the reasons it’s important to take action when your knee hurts is because an injury like articular cartilage tear can accelerate the onset of arthritis, which cannot be cured. By seeking a diagnosis early, you can catch problems like this before they have a long-lasting impact on your joint health.

How to treat cartilage and meniscus injuries

Physical therapy coupled with lifestyle changes can bring significant improvements and promote knee healing after a meniscus tear or cartilage injury. Here’s a closer look at all your treatment options to support knee cartilage and meniscus injury recovery time:

Treatment for Meniscus Tears

• Rest and ice: Immediately following an injury, resting the joint and applying ice for 15–20 minutes at a time can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Knee brace or support: Utilizing a knee brace for meniscus injury adds extra stability during recovery.
• Over-the-counter medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling, although it’s important not to rely solely on medication to continue getting through your days.
• Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can stabilize the joint and improve function in the long term. It’s important any strengthening routine be designed to avoid putting stress on the meniscus, depending on the injury, as it heals.

Some severe meniscus tears may require arthroscopic surgery, especially when physical therapy doesn’t result in sufficient improvement. However, many people experience significant relief through non-surgical methods.

Treatment for Articular Cartilage Injuries

The treatment for articular cartilage injuries to the knee also includes non-invasive approaches, depending on the severity of the damage:

• Activity modification: Avoid movements or activities that intensify the pain, particularly high-impact exercises.
• Rehabilitation exercises: A physical therapist can create a program focused on improving joint functionality during the healing process while protecting damaged cartilage.
• Support with braces: Using a brace for added stability can ensure better protection during rehab to avoid further cartilage damage.

Recovery timeframes for any kind of knee injury will vary based on the extent of the injury and adherence to rehabilitation programs. Stay consistent in your treatment for the best results.

Your personal trainer through physical therapy

You don’t have to face knee pain, stiffness, or immobility alone. An expert physical therapist serves as both a coach and partner in your recovery, designing a program that prioritizes your unique needs and fitness goals. Whether you’re an athlete hoping to return to peak performance or just wanting to move with less pain, a personalized physical therapy plan can help rebuild strength, stability, and mobility.

Learn more about our knee injury treatment plans and how we may be able to provide same-day or next-day appointments for those who need treatment quickly. Start the conversation with our team by calling a nearby Therapydia clinic or by scheduling your appointment online today.