What happens when articular cartilage is damaged?
What happens when articular cartilage is damaged?
Once damaged, articular cartilage will not heal on its own. And over time, the cartilage breaks down and the underlying bone reacts. As the bone stiffens and develops bone spurs (osteophytes), the joints become inflamed and swollen, which damages the cartilage even more, leading to pain, swelling or loss of motion.
What are the symptoms of an articular cartilage injury?
What are the symptoms of articular cartilage injuries?
- Pain and/or swelling in the joint.
- A “catching” feeling when bending or moving the joint.
- A crackling, grating, or popping sound and sensation that occurs when bending or moving the joint.
- Joint locking (an inability to fully extend or bend the joint)
What is the treatment for articular cartilage injury?
Initial treatment of an acute articular cartilage injury consists of rest, ice, elevation, anti-inflammatory medications, protected weight bearing and range of motion exercises. Medication . Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication.
How do chondrocytes repair cartilage?
Chondrocytes in the AC proliferate and secrete extracellular matrix to maintain and sustain the cartilage. The cells themselves are separated from each other by cartilage matrix [2]. They respond to outside stimuli and tissue damage, and are also responsible for degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA).
Can you walk with articular cartilage damage?
If left untreated, the joint, especially if it is a weight-bearing one, such as the knee, can eventually become so damaged that the person cannot walk. Apart from immobility, the pain may slowly get worse. All small articular cartilage defects can eventually progress to osteoarthritis if given enough time.
How common is articular cartilage damage?
Articular cartilage defects of the knee are frequently observed. Curl and coworkers described 53,569 hyaline cartilage lesions in 19,827 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. Similarly, a recent prospective survey of 993 consecutive knee arthroscopies demonstrated evidence of articular cartilage pathology in 66%.
Can you walk with torn knee cartilage?
A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.
Can you repair articular cartilage damage?
Articular cartilage can be damaged by injury or normal wear and tear. Because cartilage does not heal itself well, doctors have developed surgical techniques to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. Restoring articular cartilage can relieve pain and allow better function.
Does cartilage damage show on MRI?
Although useful, an MRI cannot always detect cartilage damage. Arthroscopy – a tube-like instrument (arthroscope) is inserted into a joint to examine and repair it. This procedure can help determine the extent of cartilage damage.
Can cartilage be repaired without surgery?
While cartilage does not regrow or replace itself, it can be repaired or supplanted by a few different treatment options. Many cartilage injuries can be treated without surgery, via physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. This is especially true if you have a sedentary to moderately active lifestyle.
Does xray show cartilage damage?
As cartilage does not show up on an X-ray, the loose body will only be visible if it consists of bone.
Is walking good for knee cartilage?
Why Walking Is Good Exercise for Your Joints Low-impact exercise increases blood flow to cartilage, which helps cartilage get the nutrients it needs to cushion and protect the ends of bones in your joints.