Cartilage Damage

Cartilage damage is relatively common and often occurs due to trauma or an associated medical condition. The most common cases of cartilage damage occur in the knee. Cartilage covers the surfaces of joints and functions as a shock absorber and prevents friction during movement. Unlike other tissues it has a poor blood supply which can affect its ability to heal. If arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery is recommended, it is often advisable to strengthen the muscles around the joint before the date of surgery, as this will speed up the recovery time after surgery.

Symptoms Of Cartilage Damage

Cartilage damage may be caused due to a sudden injury, osteoarthritis, infection, a fall or impact, ligament tear or joint dislocation.

Symptoms include:

• Decreased movement

• Swelling

• Joint pain

• Stiffness

If the cartilage damage is severe, a piece of cartilage may have broken off and float around in the joint space. This can cause a feeling of joint ‘locking’ or catching. Sometimes the joint may also give way and feel unstable. The joints that are most affected by cartilage injuries are the knee, shoulder, elbow and hip.

Cartilage Damage Treatment 

Physiotherapy treatments are often provided after the surgery in order to help decrease stiffness and pain and assist in returning the individual to complete independence and a more active lifestyle.

Acupuncture is also of great benefit in many of these situations, to help control pain post-surgery.

It is highly recommended that you attend Physiotherapy for rehabilitation following keyhole surgery, a knee/ shoulder arthroscopy, after a knee or hip replacement operation or after the insertion of metals plates or pins into various joints.

Our Expertise

Our Chartered Physiotherapists have an extensive range of experience in treating patients with cartilage damage for both pre- and post-operative stages of rehab.

Physiotherapy treatments are often provided after the surgery in order to help decrease stiffness and pain and assist in returning the individual to complete independence and a more active lifestyle. It is important that you complete a course of physiotherapy following surgery to maximise your recovery.

Our Physiotherapists work with many Orthopaedic Surgeons in Dublin and are happy to refer patients where we feel surgery is appropriate.