Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Knee Cartilage Injury
What is a knee cartilage injury?
The knee contains two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called the menisci, which act as shock absorbers to protect the joint. A knee cartilage injury occurs when one or both of these structures are damaged. This type of injury is also commonly referred to as a meniscal tear or torn cartilage. Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating knee cartilage injuries by reducing pain, restoring function, and supporting safe recovery.
How does a knee cartilage injury happen?
Knee cartilage injuries often occur during twisting or pivoting movements, especially when the foot is planted firmly on the ground and the knee rotates sharply. They can also result from a direct blow to the knee that causes it to twist or buckle. In many cases, cartilage injuries occur alongside other knee injuries, such as:
- Torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Torn medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Understanding the mechanism of injury helps guide effective treatment and rehabilitation to restore knee stability and function.
What are the symptoms of a knee cartilage injury?
Knee cartilage injuries can present with a variety of symptoms. In younger people, the injury is often caused by a specific trauma, and you may recall the exact moment it occurred. In older adults, knee cartilage can gradually weaken and stiffen over time, meaning an injury may occur without a clear traumatic event.
The most common symptom is pain within the knee joint, which may be accompanied by swelling and difficulty walking. Other possible symptoms include:
- Changes in walking pattern (gait problems)
- Muscle weakness around the knee
- Reduced balance and stability
- Muscle spasms
What should I do if I suspect a knee cartilage injury?
If you suspect a knee cartilage injury, stop activity immediately and begin initial care. The first 24–48 hours are critical for managing swelling and preventing further damage. The RICE regime is recommended:
- Rest – limit weight-bearing on the injured leg; crutches may be needed
- Ice – apply for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours using a bag of frozen peas or crushed ice wrapped in a damp cloth
- Compression – use an elastic bandage snugly around the knee (not too tight)
- Elevation – keep the knee raised above heart level on pillows or a chair
Continue this care until your physiotherapy assessment, ideally within 48 hours of the injury.
What should I do if I suspect a knee cartilage injury?
Do not continue sporting or high-impact activities until you have received professional medical advice. Continuing activity can worsen the injury, increase pain, and delay recovery.
Physiotherapy treatment following a knee cartilage injury
A physiotherapist can accurately assess your knee cartilage injury and provide guidance on initial care. If necessary, they may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation. Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a personalised treatment plan to help reduce pain, restore knee function, and support recovery.
Treatment often includes intensive rehabilitation both before and after surgery to accelerate recovery. If the injury is managed conservatively (without surgery), physiotherapy may involve tailored exercise programmes to strengthen the knee and surrounding muscles. Other possible treatments include:
- Sports injury rehabilitation – structured recovery to return to activity safely
- Taping techniques – to support the knee and reduce strain
- Balance exercises – to improve stability and prevent falls
- Hydrotherapy – low-impact water exercises to reduce stress on the joint while improving mobility
Could there be any long-term effects from a knee cartilage injury?
Knee cartilage has a very limited blood supply, so many cartilage injuries cannot heal on their own. This can lead to ongoing problems such as swelling, clicking, locking, or giving way of the knee.
Fortunately, a keyhole (arthroscopic) surgical repair is often possible, in which the damaged portion of cartilage is removed or smoothed. This minimally invasive surgery usually has excellent results, with most patients achieving full recovery within a few months.
If other structures in the knee, such as ligaments, were also damaged during the injury, recovery may take longer and require additional rehabilitation.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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