CARTILAGE DAMAGE

Cartilage has several functions in the human body:

• Reduces friction
• acts as a cushion between joints
• helps support our weight when we run, bend, and stretch.
• Holds bones together, for instance, the bones of the ribcage.
• Some body parts are made almost entirely of cartilage, for example, the external parts of our ears.
  

   

   

There are several types of cartilage. These include:

Elastic Cartilage – this makes up the outside of the ears, some of the nose and the trachea (windpipe).
Fibro Cartilage – found between the discs (vertebrae) of the spine and between the bones of the hips and pelvis
Articular (hyaline) Cartilage – the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones

Patients with damage to the cartilage in a joint (articular cartilage damage) will experience: 

• Inflammation – the area swells, becomes warmer than other parts of the body, and is tender, sore, and painful.
• Range limitation – as the damage progresses, the affected limb will not move so freely and easily.

• Wear and tear
• joint that experiences a long period of stress can become damaged. 

• Direct blow
• if a joint receives a heavy impact, perhaps during a bad fall or an automobile accident, the cartilage may be damaged.
• Lack of movement Long periods of inactivity or immobility increase the risk of damage to the cartilage.

• Injuries to the cartilage that do not extend to the bone will generally not heal on their own.
• Injuries that penetrate to the bone may heal, but the type of cartilage that is laid down is structurally unorganized and does not function as well as the original articular cartilage.
• Injuries to the cartilage that do not extend to the bone will generally not heal on their own.
• Injuries that penetrate to the bone may heal, but the type of cartilage that is laid down is structurally unorganized and does not function as well as the original articular cartilage.

patients with cartilage damage for both pre- and post-operative stages of rehab.Physiotherapy treatments are often provided after the surgery in order to help decrease stiffness and pain and assist in returning the individual to complete independence and a more active lifestyle.

The most important time in the initial management of a cartilage injury is the first 24–48 hours.

• The RICE regime should be commenced (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce the blood flow to the knee, thereby reducing the extent of swelling and tissue damage

  Exercise programmes can also be developed if it is decided that your cartilage is to be managed conservatively (non-operative). Other treatments may include:

  • Ultrasound
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Soft tissue release
  • Sports Injury Rehab
  • Taping
    • Balance Exercises
    • Hydrotherapy

  • Rehabilitation :-  Developing strong muscles stabilises the joint  which helps to reduce the risk of cartilage damage.

    • gentle stretching to maintain flexibility and range of motion
    • aerobic and endurance training to achieve or maintain a healthy weight and improve mood and stamina
    • strengthening exercises to build up the muscles around the joints 
    • It also offloads the joint and encourages an increase in blood flow to the area and therefore healing of the cartilage.