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Hachoshalim 8, Herzliya
Cartilage injuries are injuries that are most often caused by an injury, injury or overuse and strain on the joints. The cartilage is a strong and relatively flexible connective tissue in our body, yet it tends to be damaged relatively easily.
An example of a known cartilage injury is a tear in the meniscus of the knee.
What is cartilage and what is its function?
Cartilage Injury
Cartilage is a connective tissue that has many functions, including connecting bones and supporting tissues in our bodies.
The cartilage is used, among other things, to reduce the friction between the bones in the joints and also as a shock absorber. It helps support our body weight when we run, walk or jump.
Unlike other tissues in our body, cartilage does not have a direct blood supply and therefore cartilage damage takes a long time to reach recovery, compared to other tissues.
What are the signs of cartilage damage?
Injured articular cartilage can lead to severe pain, local inflammation and even cause a certain level of disability.
Signs of inflammation - swelling, redness and pain in the area of the affected joint.
Restriction of movement - As long as the damage continues, the injured limb will not move freely and the patient will feel a limitation in the range of movements he is able to perform.
What are the causes of cartilage damage?
The causes of this condition include:
Injury or direct injury to the joint
Overuse of the joint
Overweight - leads to joint strain
Lack of movement - The joint must move frequently to maintain its health. Long periods of lack of movement can also lead to cartilage damage.
What is the treatment for the treatment of cartilage damage
Non-surgical treatment - Some patients respond well to non-surgical treatments, such as the use of NSAIDS or joint steroid injections, as well as joint physical therapy.
Surgical treatment - If the damage caused to the joint is great, there is no escape from a surgical solution. There are a number of surgical options that depend on the type of joint and its location, as well as the degree of damage that has occurred.
When should you seek medical treatment and advice?
If you suffer from joint pain, especially in the hip and knee joints, which increase with exertion and begin gradually, you may be suffering from cartilage damage.
Contact Dr. Aharon Liberzon's clinic today to receive medical advice and appropriate and optimal treatment!