![]() Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) The cartilage may be removed, trimmed or smoothed down using special tools. You’re also more likely to need surgical intervention if you are a professional athlete or dancer, or if you have had a traumatic injury to your knee that has affected other parts of the joint.Ĭartilage damage is repaired using arthroscopic (or keyhole) surgery, which means minimal impact on healthy parts of your knee, less scarring and quicker recovery times. Surgery will usually be recommended if the damage to your cartilage is severe enough for it to be debilitating or having a negative effect on your lifestyle. The pain and stiffness of arthritis can often be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), a range of injection therapies and exercises that focus on mobility and flexibility, such as yoga. You may be able to simply shift to a lower-impact activity – say, from running to cycling or swimming. Treating pain from damaged cartilage may be as simple as losing weight or doing exercises to strengthen your knee and improve mobility. Non-surgicalĪt Capital Orthopaedics, we will always opt for conservative treatment if at all possible. Treatments are dependent on your age, activity level and the extent of the damage. There are a number of different treatment pathways for damaged cartilage in your knee. You will then be given x-ray or CT scans to assess damage to the bones in your joint, and an MRI to review cartilage damage and any other soft tissue injuries. The Capital Orthopaedics team is highly experienced at diagnosing knee conditions, starting with a history of your lifestyle or injury and a physical/biomechanical exam. How Is Cartilage Damage in the Knee Diagnosed?Ĭartilage damage as a result of a forceful injury is often accompanied by other injuries – particularly if you have wrenched or even a dislocated your knee, so it’s not always obvious what is causing your knee pain.Įven if you have cartilage damage due to wear and tear, the symptoms can be similar to many other knee conditions – so it’s always best to get seen by a knee specialist. Knee pain can cause you to alter your gait, which can, in turn, lead to misalignment and pain in your knees, ankles or hips. You may also experience a feeling of instability and weakness. Torn cartilage can get caught between the structures of your knee, resulting in pain, swelling and sometimes a locking or catching sensation. What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Cartilage Damage in the Knee?Ĭartilage damage can affect your knee in different ways. The main causes of cartilage damage are wear and tear (simply put, just getting older), repetitive actions (particularly twisting, jumping and deep knee bends) or a traumatic injury (such as forceful wrenching or a direct impact). What Can Cause Cartilage Damage in the Knee? Damaged cartilage can potentially lead to knee arthritis, with long-term effects on your knee function.ĭamaged cartilage almost always has some sort of effect on your knees – whether it’s pain, swelling or stiffness. If it’s torn or worn, it can leave the rough bone surfaces exposed – resulting in friction in the joint. The slippery articular cartilage that coats your bones helps with smooth movement. Even if you need surgery, the sooner you can get treated, the less likely you are to have ongoing repercussions such as osteoarthritis.įor fast and effective diagnosis and treatment of knee cartilage damage in London, contact the Capital Orthopaedics team here. ![]() Many knee conditions can be resolved with physiotherapy if they are caught soon enough. Joints that take that much force on a daily basis rarely get better on their own. ![]() No matter what – the best thing you can do is get a diagnosis, and the sooner the better. It may be accompanied by swelling and a feeling of instability. It may be a dull ache, or sharp, debilitating pain. Just as in any mechanical structure, repeated force or a sudden impact will cause the parts of your knee joint to get worn, torn or damaged. Small fluid-filled sacs called bursa also help with cushioning as you pound away at your knee joints. In the middle of your knee are two rubbery, semi-circular pieces of cartilage called menisci, which provide additional shock absorption. Our knees have to be pretty extraordinary structures to be able to cope with this enormous strain.Īs in all joints, the bones are coated in a layer of slippery cartilage which enables smooth, friction-free movement. And the heavier you are, the greater the force. Running can put 11 times your body weight through your knee joint. 346% of your body weight goes through your knee when you’re walking downstairs. Your knee is the largest joint in your body, and it takes a massive force every step you take.
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