I hurt my knee playing football years ago. Can that cause arthritis now?

How an injury leads to arthritis

Several things happen after a significant knee injury. The impact itself can bruise and damage cartilage, even when the cartilage looks intact on the day. The meniscus, the rubbery cushion between the bones, spreads load across the joint; when part of it is torn or removed, pressure on the cartilage beneath rises. And if a torn ACL leaves the knee unstable, repeated small shifts of the joint can wear both meniscus and cartilage over time.

The result is arthritis that develops earlier than usual, and in one knee rather than both.

Who is most at risk

• Players who had an ACL tear, especially with meniscus or cartilage damage at the same time
• People who had a large part of a meniscus removed, particularly the outer meniscus
• Those who kept playing football, padel or basketball on an unstable knee for years
• Fractures that entered the joint surface, such as tibial plateau fractures
• Extra body weight or bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment on top of the injury

Modern surgery aims to preserve the meniscus and restore stability where possible, which is why meniscus repair is preferred over removal when the tear allows it.

Protecting the injured knee now

If you have had a major knee injury, strong thigh and hip muscles, a healthy weight and smart training choices help protect the joint. Mixing cycling, swimming and gym strength work with field sports reduces repeated impact. If the knee gives way, that instability itself is worth treating, because each episode can add damage.

When to have it assessed

See a knee surgeon if an old injury is now causing aching after activity, swelling, giving way or loss of movement. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber reviews the history of the injury and any previous surgery, examines stability and alignment, and arranges standing X-rays and sometimes an MRI. In younger, active patients with arthritis on one side of the knee, options such as realignment osteotomy or cartilage procedures may be discussed alongside non-surgical care.