The body has an elaborate warning system known as the nervous system that alerts the patient that something is wrong. However, articular cartilage does not have pain fibers and, as a result, pain signals come from other tissues being irritated from the cartilage injury. Therefore, it is possible for the articular cartilage to be damaged without patient noticing any pain. In addition, small aches and pains may be the only warning of articular cartilage injury. The symptom of knee pain may be a result of stimulation of the bone pain fibers under the articular cartilage, irritation of the fluid-filled lubricating sac in the joint (synovium) or other secondary sources.
Nonspecific swelling may signal a problem caused by fluid buildup
"Cracking" or "crunching" sounds as joint is moved through range of motion
Locking or catching sensation (triggered by loose body lodged in the joint)
Because symptoms may be minimal or confusing, see your doctor if you believe you may have an articular cartilage injury.
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