According to the Rothman Institute, “Over 12 million people a year visit their doctors due to knee pain that is affecting their quality of life.” One of the most common factors troubling patients who suffer from discomfort in their knees is the loss of cartilage in the joint.
What is Cartilage?
Cartilage, in some ways, is the oil that keeps the body in motion. It can be found throughout the human body, such as the larynx and the external ear. It is a form of connective tissue that is firm, yet flexible and one of its main functions is to protect your bones whenever your joints are at work.
Why is Cartilage So Important in My Knees?
The knee-joint is composed of the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (kneecap). Cartilage covers the ends of both bones so that whenever your knee bends, extends, or has any pressure placed on it, the two bones don’t grind against one another.
There are two types of cartilage in your knees:
- Articular cartilage, which acts as a lubricant in the joint so that the bones can move smoothly across one another.
- Meniscus cartilage provides a cushion whenever pressure is placed on the joint.
How Did I Damage the Cartilage in My Knee?
There are slight differences in how you can injure your knee cartilage. For example:
- Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury, defect, and arthritis. Of these three, arthritis is the most common, since it is a process of deterioration that occurs over a period of time.
- Meniscus cartilage is almost always the result of an injury. Twisting your knee at an awkward angle, putting too much pressure on it, and even kneeling down can cause you to tear your meniscus. However, this does become more prevalent in older patients once degeneration of the joints has begun.
Is Knee Cartilage the Culprit for my Pain?
Articular cartilage damage is usually experienced as a dull pain around or under the kneecap, especially when a strain is placed on the joint, such as when you walk up or down a set of stairs. Damage to this cartilage may also result in stiffness of the joint, loss of motion, and swelling.
Meniscus cartilage pain, similar to articular cartilage, often results in loss of motion and swelling, however these symptoms are often more pronounced after a tear in the meniscus. Patients may find it difficult, or even impossible, to completely extend their leg and may even experience a “popping” sensation during movement.
Is It Possible To Fix These Problems By Avoiding Surgery?
It is possible that the damage to the cartilage in your knee is minor. In that case, there are a number of simple remedies that may help keep you off the operating table.
- Rest: If you have pain in your knees, then it is wise to avoid using them. Take time to stay off your feet, avoid using stairs, walking up hills, and hiking across uneven surfaces. A slip of the foot or a twisting of the leg could turn a minor injury into a severe one.
- Ice: Ice can reduce pain and swelling and help aid in your recovery.
- Medication: If the pain is too severe and distracting to be dealt with through simple means, over-the-counter medication can be used to combat the discomfort while you rest and recover.
- Therapy: Well-paced, safe physical therapy is a good way to strengthen the muscles around your knee-joint to help stabilize the area and prevent further injury.
What if I Need Knee Surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is typically highly effective to diagnose and repair torn cartilage in the knee. Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive and offers a faster recovery with fewer complications. Minimally invasive surgery can be performed as a day procedure so that you can recover and heal at home.
Physical therapy is prescribed after surgery to help rehabilitate the joint and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Your dedication to your physical therapy program and home exercises will optimize the outcome of your surgery.
Our Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine providers specialize in minimally invasive joint procedures. If you are experiencing knee pain or any joint pain, call us today at 757-873-1554 for a consultation!
