When damage occurs to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones at the knee joint, it is referred to as a chondral injury. If the bone itself has also sustained damage, it is referred to as an osteochondral injury.

When the articular cartilage sustains an injury, it typically occurs in combination with other injuries to the knee. Other injuries sustained at the same time may include damage to the meniscal cartilage and/or the ligaments in the knee. Although there are no nerves or blood vessels associated with the articular cartilage itself, pain may be felt when the knee is moved or while it is bearing weight. The fluidity of movement may be affected if a piece of the articular cartilage disrupts the knee’s ability to move freely. Inflammation may also be present.

If you are experiencing knee pain, there are some telltale signs that indicate you should seek treatment from an experienced physician right away.

These signs include:

  • severe pain, even when the knee is at rest;
  • the inability to put weight on the knee;
  • numbness, tingling and/or inflammation;
  • the knee appears deformed or misshapen;
  • warmth around the knee;
  • soreness; and
  • continued pain after a week of at-home treatment.