Cartilage damage is a relatively common type of injury. It often involves the knees, although joints such as the hips, ankles and elbows can also be affected. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue found throughout the body. It covers the surface of joints, acting as a shock absorber and allowing bones to slide over one another. It can become damaged as a result of a sudden injury, such as a
sports injury, or gradual wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Minor cartilage injuries may get better on their own within a few weeks, but more severe cartilage damage may eventually require surgery. Symptoms of cartilage damage in a joint include: It can sometimes be difficult to tell a cartilage injury apart from other common joint injuries, such as
sprains, as the symptoms are similar. If you've injured your joint, it's a good idea to try self care measures first. Sprains and minor cartilage damage may get better on their own within a few days or weeks. More severe cartilage damage probably will not improve on its own. If left untreated, it can eventually wear down the joint. Visit your GP or a minor injuries unit (MIU) if: Your GP may need to refer you for tests such as an X-ray, MRI scan, or arthroscopy to find out if your cartilage is damaged. Self care measures are usually recommended as the first treatment for minor joint injuries. For the first few days:Symptoms of cartilage damage
When to get medical advice
Treatments for cartilage damage
- protect the affected area from further injury by using a support, such as a knee brace
- rest the affected joint
- elevate the affected limb and apply an ice pack to the joint regularly
- take ordinary painkillers, such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
Get medical advice if your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days. You may need professional treatment, such as physiotherapy, or possibly surgery.
A number of surgical techniques can be used, including:
- encouraging the growth of new cartilage by drilling small holes in the nearby bone
- replacing the damaged cartilage with healthy cartilage taken from another part of the joint
- replacing the entire joint with an artificial one, such as a knee replacement or hip replacement – this is usually only necessary in the most severe cases
Read more about how cartilage damage is treated.
Page last reviewed: 25 May 2019
Next review due: 25 May 2022
Conditions related to crepitus
Crepitus is a symptom of these common conditions:
- Osteoarthritis – due to your bones rubbing against each other because cartilage is damaged or degenerated – though not everyone with arthritis will experience crepitus
- Tendonitis – injury and inflammation of a tendon, such as a tennis elbow
- An injury can cause crepitus in the knee, such as a meniscal tear – a common sports injury
- Baker's cyst
Crepitus may be a symptom of other forms of joint damage and arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and gout.
If you have a condition, such as tendonitis, that has caused inflammation around a joint, you may experience crepitus alongside joint pain and restricted movement. Other common inflammatory joint conditions include:
- Bursitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
In some cases, crepitus can be experienced if you have scleroderma. This is a rare condition that causes the skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten. You may experience crepitus sensations as the muscles and tendons rub against the hardened tissues.
Getting a diagnosis for crepitus
If you're experiencing crepitus with pain, swelling or discomfort, you should see your GP.
Your GP will perform a physical examination of your joint. They may refer you for other tests and scans to investigate further or to confirm a diagnosis, such as:
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Bone scan
- Blood tests – a sample of your blood will be analysed for signs of infection and inflammation
- Antibody tests – to see if autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis could be causing your symptoms
- Joint aspiration – a needle is inserted into your joint and a sample of the synovial fluid is taken for further investigation
Frequently asked questions
What does crepitus sound and feel like?
Crepitus is a sensation or noise when you move a joint. You may experience it as clicking, cracking, creaking, crunching, grating or popping. The noise could be muffled or heard by others.
What is crepitus a sign of?
Crepitus becomes more common as you get older. In most cases, it’s caused by bubbles of air popping inside your joint which is harmless.
If you’re also experiencing discomfort and pain, your crepitus may be a sign of an injury or underlying medical condition. You may experience crepitus if you have joint damage, such as arthritis or gout, or a condition which results in inflammation around the joint, such as tendonitis.
Does crepitus go away?
In most cases, crepitus will improve without the need for medical treatment. Applying ice to the area and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, will usually be enough to alleviate your pain and inflammation.
If your crepitus is affecting your day-to-day life, your doctor may recommend treatment to help with the symptoms.
Can exercises help crepitus symptoms?
Exercises may help with your crepitus, but you should see a doctor first to understand the cause of your symptoms.
You may find it useful to talk to a physiotherapist if you have pain and inflammation around your joints. Exercise and stretching have been shown to reduce joint pain in conditions that cause crepitus such as osteoarthritis and tendonitis.
Should I worry about crepitus?
Your joints can crack or pop from time to time, so crepitus is usually nothing to be worried about. However, if you're experiencing crepitus with pain, swelling or discomfort, you should see your GP.