Wear and Tear Injuries
Articular cartilage helps your knee bones move smoothly. Aging or injury may wear away this cartilage. A piece of bone or cartilage may also break off. Damage from wear and tear can cause knee pain or stiffness.
Assessing the Problem
In mild cases, the cartilage may be slightly worn. In more severe cases, the cartilage may be worn through, exposing the bone. There may also be loose bodies (pieces of cartilage or bone) in the knee joint.
Repairing the Damage
For mild wear and tear, the cartilage may be smoothed out. If bone is exposed, your surgeon may rub it with a special burr. This helps toughen and protect the bone surface. In some cases, healthy cartilage may be transplanted to the worn bone. Any loose bodies are removed.
Your Recovery
Recovery may take from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending upon the procedure you had. To help your knee heal, you may be asked to do some or all of the following:
- Use crutches as instructed.
- Exercise to regain your range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint.
- Find ways to protect your knees, such as sitting on a gardening stool or using a golf cart when golfing.
This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.