The human body is an intricate system with many different working parts, but one of the most important components is cartilage, a tough, flexible and rubbery type of tissue that serves as a cushion between the bones of your joints, holding bones together and supporting other tissue in the body.
Although the tissue itself is tough, it is relatively easy to damage, leading to inflammation and severe pain in many cases, as well as potentially leading to some level of disability.
Typically, cartilage damage manifests in the knees, but it can also affect hip joints, as well as shoulders, ankles, wrists and elbows. Symptoms include stiffness, inflammation, swelling, tenderness, pain and restricted motion and mobility.
What causes cartilage damage?
There are various ways in which cartilage can be damaged, including a blow or heavy impact through a fall or accident of some kind. Active people and those who play a lot of sports are more likely to damage their cartilage, particularly anyone who engages in contact sports.
General wear and tear over time can also cause cartilage damage, particularly if you’re overweight, as this puts excess pressure on joints. You can also put your cartilage at risk if you’re inactive, as your joints need to move regularly to stay in good working condition.
Can physio help with cartilage damage?
If left untreated, the affected areas can become so damaged that they affect your ability to move properly and any pain you’re in may steadily get worse.
Treatment programmes for cartilage damage include physical therapy and physio, with exercises provided that can be done at home. If you don’t respond to this, it may be necessary to have surgery.
Your physiotherapist will carry out a full examination and take a complete history of how you injured yourself to assess the damage and decide upon the best course of action for recovery. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the Clear Physio team today.
