CARTILAGE PROBLEMS
WHAT IS A CARTILAGE PROBLEM?
There are areas in the knee which act as shock absorbers and these are called menisci. At the end of the long bones at the knee joint there is also cartilage, this is called articular cartilage.
Both the menisci and articular cartilage can be damaged and cause a lot of problems and pain.
WHAT CAUSES A CARTILAGE PROBLEM?
Damage to the articular cartilage or menisci is often due to a trauma where you twist your knee and this usually occurs with other knee injuries for example ligament injuries. The knee is commonly injured from skiing, football or rugby.
Your menisci can be torn also without sudden injury and can be due to repeated wear and tear of the meniscal cartilage in an older population. Meniscal cartilage does not heal very well due to having a poor blood supply.
A chondral injury is the term given to damage to the bones at your knee joint.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CARTILAGE PROBLEM?
The menisci and articular cartilage don’t have their own nerve supply (which transmits pain) however normally when the cartilage is damaged, surrounding structures are damaged too, causing pain.
Knee locking’ if a part of the cartilage affects the movement of the knee
HOW IS A CARTILAGE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a full subjective and objective examination- often how you injured yourself can suggest what damage you have caused and the objective examination will confirm if you have a cartilage problem and what type of cartilage problem you may have.
An MRI scan can confirm if you have damaged your meniscus or cartilage.
WHAT TREATMENT CAN FARRELL PHYSIOTHERAPY OFFER FOR A CARTILAGE PROBLEM?
Your physiotherapist will provide you with a tailored treatment plan following assessment and will choose the most appropriate treatment methods to rehabilitate you based on your symptoms and response to different treatment methods.
Treatment can include:
If your cartilage problem causes troublesome and persistent problems then an operation may necessary. Most operations are done by keyhole surgery (arthroscopic).
If you do require surgery, physiotherapy is essential to ensure you are rehabilitated effectively and you recover as quickly as possible.
Strengthening exercises
Soft tissue massage
Graded return to sporting activity
BENEFIT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR A CARTILAGE PROBLEM?
Physiotherapy can be very beneficial for a cartilage problem. The particular benefits you feel will be based on your original symptoms and treatment goals.
The benefits of physiotherapy if you have a cartilage problem include:
Don't Let Pain Win!
Our Expert Physiotherapists in Witham and Chelmsford specialise in providing the latest treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or click below to book online!
Same day and emergency appointments available most of the time.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
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Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
WITHAM
Witham Leisure Centre, Spinks Ln, Witham, Essex, CM8 1EP
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