Cartilage inflammation, or chondritis, can cause pain and swelling in joints and other parts of the body. RICE treatment can help, but more severe cases may require anti-inflammatory medication or surgery. Costochondritis is a common type of cartilage inflammation that can be mistaken for a heart attack. Healing time can be prolonged due to low blood flow to the cartilage. Joint replacement surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Cartilage inflammation, or chondritis, occurs when cartilage anywhere in the body becomes inflamed, often causing pain and swelling. Cartilage is found in the joints of the body and in other parts of the body such as the breastbone; cartilage inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons, including arthritis or simple overuse. Harder than muscle tissue and ligaments, cartilage isn’t as strong as bone, so if you experience inflammation of the cartilage, it’s usually an indicator of another, more serious problem like arthritis. RICE treatment can be used to relieve pain associated with cartilage problems.
The RICE treatment includes the following phases: rest, ice, compression and elevation. These steps allow the inflammation to heal on its own, which it is likely to do given the opportunity. However, more severe cases of inflammation may be more persistent, and a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce inflammation. Such drugs may take some time to take effect, and taking such drugs should be combined with sufficient rest.
One of the most common types of cartilage inflammation is costochondritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the ribs becomes inflamed. This type of inflammation can get quite painful; many people with costochondritis often mistake the pain for a heart attack. Because the pain associated with this inflammation can mimic the pain of more serious conditions, you should see a doctor right away if you experience chest pain. Costochondritis is often the result of some sort of injury or strain, and is best treated with rest and often with anti-inflammatory medications.
Inflammation of the cartilage in the joints can be especially bothersome because it can inhibit movement and affect your ability to participate in daily activities. Arthritis sufferers are often faced with this type of inflammation. RICE treatment can be used to manage pain, and medications are available to relieve some of the pain associated with this inflammation. In rarer cases, surgery may be needed to remedy the cause of the inflammation, which may be bone deformities that result from the degradation associated with arthritis.
Blood flow to the cartilage is quite low which means that healing time can be prolonged. In some cases, the cartilage cannot repair itself at all and scar tissue develops. If the cartilage breaks down enough, joint replacement surgery may be needed to prolong the life of a particular joint. This procedure can be quite painful and the associated rehabilitation can take several months.
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