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Knee Pain: Q&A

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"My 56-year-old mother has arthritis and a torn cartilage in her knee. Is she making it worse by not getting treatment?"

When people say they have a torn cartilage in their knee, they usually mean the meniscus. The knee has two menisci, which act like cushions to absorb shock and help protect the knee from arthritis. Meniscus tears can happen from playing sports or injuries when we're young, or with very little force as we get older.

If someone already has arthritis, it can be hard to tell if the pain is from arthritis or a meniscus tear. Pain is the most common symptom of both, and it usually hurts where the injury happened. Sometimes, the pain can be felt in the back of the knee or all over the joint. After an injury, pain often gets better in two to three months. Some supplements, like glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate, might help with arthritis pain. Strengthening the muscles around the knee can make it more stable. Knee braces can help by moving weight away from the sore side and sending signals to the brain to reduce pain. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines can also help, but people with health problems, like liver or kidney disease, should talk to their doctor before taking them.

If the knee catches or locks, it might mean a piece of cartilage is loose in the joint. It’s not clear if this causes more damage or makes arthritis worse, but it can make it hard to do normal activities.

If symptoms make it hard to do daily activities, other treatments may help. Injections in the knee can reduce pain with fewer side effects. Some injections, called viscosupplements, contain a gel-like fluid that helps the knee move smoothly. Corticosteroid shots can reduce swelling and quickly ease pain from arthritis or a meniscus tear. Surgery might be an option if pain doesn’t improve with other treatments.

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