Cartilage injury
Cartilage damage
This relatively common condition often involves the knees but joints such as the hips, ankles and elbows can also be affected
What is a cartilage injury?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of a cartilage injury? icon plus
- Swelling, which may worsen for a few hours or even days after the injury first happens
- Joint pain, including when resting and when you put weight on it
- Stiffness
- Grinding, cracking or popping from the joint
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Diagnosing a cartilage injury icon plus
Your consultant will examine the joint to determine the extent of your injury. They may also refer you for imaging tests including:
- X-rays
- MRI and/or CT scans
- Arthroscopy; a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and assess problems within the joints
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Minor cartilage injuries are usually treated using self care measures. It's only in the more severe cases that invasive treatments are recommended.
Treatment options include:- Resting the affected area
- Raising the affected limb and using an ice pack to cool the area
- Over the counter painkillers
- Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- A brace or other type of support to protect the limb
- surgery, such as knee or hip replacement, depending on the type of injury and severity
Our orthopaedic consultants
Our locations
From complex orthopaedic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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Outpatients and Diagnostics at 30 Devonshire Street
30 Devonshire Street
London W1G 6PU
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344