Cartilage damage can occur due to weight, physical activity, wear and tear, and aging. Joint cartilage damage is the most serious, causing pain and immobility. Diagnosis is difficult, but doctors can use MRI to detect damage. Treatment includes physical therapy, pain relievers, and surgery.
There are three basic types of cartilage including elastic cartilage, fibrocartilage, and hyaline cartilage. All three types of cartilage are prone to cartilage damage due to a variety of factors including weight, physical activity, and wear and tear. While all types of cartilage damage can cause pain, joint cartilage damage is the most serious.
Articular cartilage can be placed in the “hyaline cartilage” category. This type of cartilage sits between the joints and protects the joints from absorbing a great deal of stress. Most articular cartilage injuries occur within the knee area causing immobility, swelling, and pain. The cartilage within the knee area can become damaged from a direct impact such as falling or touching a blunt object. People who play particularly aggressive sports often suffer from damage to the joint cartilage.
Other types of cartilage damage can occur as a result of aging. Over a number of years, the cartilage can simply wear away resulting in pain, swelling and immobility. Additionally, people who are considered clinically obese may suffer from osteoarthritis, which is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage from too much pressure. Additionally, people who remain still for long periods of time can also experience cartilage damage, as a person needs to move for the cartilage to function properly.
Diagnosing a person suffering from damaged cartilage is often difficult. Often, this type of damage mimics the symptoms caused by torn ligaments and other injuries. The best way to determine if the cartilage has been damaged is to visit a doctor. Doctors have the ability to have patients undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which will detect damaged cartilage. Arthroscopic surgery is often the recommended treatment for any articular cartilage injury in the knee area.
Symptoms of cartilage destruction include swelling, severe pain, stiffness, and decreased movement. In some cases, small particles of cartilage can break away from a joint area causing the joints to collapse under pressure. Physical therapy, lifestyle changes, pain relievers, and supportive devices may be prescribed to a person suffering from cartilage destruction. Some people may require additional treatments such as mosaic surgery, spinal cord stimulation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation.
A person experiencing any of the symptoms listed above should see a doctor right away. The cartilage damage will not go away, although it will get worse if not properly treated. Attempts to self-medicate should be avoided, as these tactics will not heal the cartilage permanently.
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