Two closely related conditions, often responsible for persistent pain.
Knee cartilage damage is a common cause of pain, functional impairment, and progressive limitation of mobility. Often asymptomatic for a long time, it can develop insidiously into a knee osteoarthritis, a chronic condition responsible for a progressive deterioration of the joint.
On a website dedicated to knee emergencies and rapid consultations As with SOS Genou, it is essential to understand the link between cartilage and osteoarthritis, to recognize the warning signs and to know when early intervention can still change the course of the disease.
Knee cartilage: an essential but fragile role
Articular cartilage is a smooth, strong tissue that covers the bony surfaces of the knee, at the level of the femur, tibia, and patella. It allows for smooth gliding of the joint surfaces and absorbs the stresses related to movement and body weight.
Unlike other tissues, cartilage:
- is not vascularized
- regenerates with great difficulty
- can deteriorate without causing immediate pain
It is this silent nature that makes cartilage lesions particularly insidious.
What is a lesion of the cartilage in the knee?
A cartilage lesion corresponds to a alteration, more or less profound of this joint lining. It can range from a simple softening to a complete disappearance of the cartilage, leaving the bone exposed.
These lesions can be:
- localized or diffuse
- superficial or deep
- stable or evolving
When they progress, they create a breeding ground for osteoarthritis.
What are the causes of cartilage damage in the knee?
Cartilage lesions can have very different origins. They do not only affect the elderly.
Traumatic causes
A shock, a fall, or a sudden movement of the knee can cause cartilage damage, sometimes associated with:
- a sprain
- a ligament rupture
- a meniscal tear
- a joint fracture
These post-traumatic injuries may go unnoticed at first.
Mechanical and functional causes
Poor knee alignment, chronic instability, or repeated stress can lead to progressive cartilage wear, even without identified trauma.
Degenerative causes
Over time, cartilage thins and loses its mechanical properties. This progressive degradation corresponds to osteoarthritis of the knee.
Link between cartilage damage and knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee is the consequence of a progressive wear of articular cartilageIt never occurs suddenly, but results from a slow process, often starting with small cartilage lesions.
In other words, all osteoarthritis begins with damage to the cartilage, but not all cartilage damage necessarily progresses to severe osteoarthritis if it is treated in time.
Symptoms of knee cartilage damage
Symptoms are often progressive and vary depending on the extent of the lesions.
Pain is the most common symptom. It usually appears during exertion, such as prolonged walking, climbing or descending stairs, or after standing for extended periods. Initially, it disappears at rest, but then becomes more persistent.
The patient may also experience:
- diffuse joint discomfort
- cracking sounds in the knee
- a feeling of stiffness, especially after immobility
- episodes of swelling
In some cases, mechanical blockages can occur, particularly if cartilage fragments break off.
Symptoms suggestive of early-stage osteoarthritis
As cartilage damage progresses, signs of osteoarthritis gradually appear. Pain becomes more frequent, sometimes occurring at night. The knee may lose mobility, with increasing difficulty in bending or fully extending it.
The swelling may become recurrent, indicating chronic inflammation of the joint. These signs should prompt a consultation, even if they seem mild.
When should you seek medical help quickly?
On SOS Genou, certain symptoms should raise concern and warrant a prompt consultation:
- persistent knee pain for several weeks
- repeated swellings without recent trauma
- joint blockages
- progressive loss of mobility
- pain after a knee injury
Early assessment can sometimes slow down or even stop the progression towards osteoarthritis.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical examination and imaging.
The clinical examination allows for the assessment of mobility, pain, knee alignment, and the presence of effusion.
L'MRI is the gold standard examination for analyzing cartilage. It allows for precise visualization of:
- cartilage thickness
- the location of the lesions
- their depth
- associated injuries (meniscus, ligaments, bones)
X-rays are useful for assessing the stage of osteoarthritis, but they do not detect early cartilage damage.
What are the consequences of an untreated cartilage lesion?
Without appropriate treatment, cartilage damage can progress to:
- a progressive worsening of pain
- a loss of mobility
- established osteoarthritis of the knee
- a lasting limitation of activities
- sometimes the need for major surgical treatment
That is why early intervention is essential.
Treatment of knee cartilage lesions
Treatment depends on several factors: age, activity level, size of the lesion, symptoms and stage of development.
Conservative treatment
It relies on adapting activities, managing pain, targeted muscle strengthening, and sometimes intra-articular treatments. The goal is to relieve symptoms and preserve the remaining cartilage.
surgical treatment
In some cases, particularly in young or active patients, surgical techniques may be offered to treat localized cartilage lesions and delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis: a progression that is not always inevitable
It is important to remember that Cartilage damage does not automatically mean severe osteoarthritisAppropriate, early and personalized care can significantly slow the progression and preserve knee function for many years.
Why consult a knee specialist?
Cartilage damage and osteoarthritis require specific expertise. A specialized evaluation allows for:
- an accurate diagnosis
- an appropriate treatment strategy
- an anticipation of the evolution
- a better quality of life in the long term
Knee cartilage damage is common, often asymptomatic at first, but can potentially progress to osteoarthritis. Persistent pain, swelling, or loss of mobility should prompt a prompt consultation. Early intervention is key to preserving knee function in the long term.
