Point Sports Therapy Clinic
digital
INJURY DATA
CARTILAGE DAMAGE
Cartilage damage - also known as chondral injuries or chondral defects - occurs when the shock absorbing structure that protects your joints is damaged, it is usually caused by trauma or gradual wear and tear. This is commonly seen in the hip and knee in athletes.
Average recovery time -
Around 8 weeks
Likelihood of reoccurrence -
High
Digital illustration of meniscus (knee cartilage) damage generated by EVE.
Cartilage damage is also known as chondral defect as chondrol means 'cartilage related', it can be damaged through trauma or gradual wear and tear (osteoarthritis) and repetitive movements.
Cartilage tissue is strong and flexible and it is found between the bones in all joints. It is a shock absorber and it also allows the bones to slide over one another.
There are different types of cartilage found at different joints; the most common type of cartilage is called articular cartilage which is made up of hyaline cartilage and chondrocytes, and it is located in your knees, elbows, hips, ankles and wrists. Articular cartilage is smooth and it covers the ends of each of the bones in the joint. These joints are called synovial joints as they are lubricated by synovial fluid, this helps the bones to slide with less friction.
Another type of cartilage is the meniscus cartilage, which is more rubbery and is found in the knees. Its purpose is to distribute the load of the articular cartilage in the knees and it is found on the lower proportion of the knee joint. Meniscus injuries are usually due to over twisting the knee, or twisting the knee while putting force through it.
Elastic cartilage is the most flexible type and it is usually found in the ears, nose and throat. This is the cartilage that is damaged in cauliflower ear.
Cartilage tissues have little to no blood supply/ blood vessels and so these injuries generally take a long time to heal.
Signs & SYMPTOMs
Joint pain, even while resting
Swelling
Stiffness
Tenderness
Reduced range of motion
Pain on weight bearing on the affected joint
A clicking or grinding sensation in the affected joint
locking of the joint - unable to fully bend or extend the limb
A catching feeling when moving the joint
Popping sound
Inflammation
Instability / 'giving way' when weight bearing on the joint
Some cartilage injuries have no symptoms.
If you believe you have symptoms of cartilage damage please seek guidance from a medical professional! - EVE
Additional illustrations.
Above shows an expected VAS (pain) score for this injury as calculated by EVE.
sports
This injury is commonly seen in sports such as...
- American football
- Dance
- Tennis
- Wrestling
- Cheerleading
- Rugby
- Badminton
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Formula 1 racing
treatment & prevention
Follow these steps to treat this injury....
Extra information
Ice is most effective within the first 72 hours of injury; however, it may slow down initial healing.
Get in touch with a sports therapist to assist with your injury rehabilitation journey.
Stay tuned for our upcoming therapist database!
Reach the starting point of your recovery by purchasing the complete injury rehabilitation package at the Self-Help Shop!
Follow these steps to prevent this injury....
DOs
Ensure a gradual return to sport following an injury
Switch to low impact exercises such as yoga, walking, biking or swimming during the healing process
Exercise on soft ground if possible
Warm up throughly before commencing any exercise
Cool down completely after engaging in vigorous activities
Ensure proper fitting shoes that provide adequate support for your feet; consider using insoles if needed.
Replace your footwear when they show signs of wear and tear
Use proper technique while engaging in sports - consider having someone observe you to remind you
Try to achieve and sustain a healthy body weight
Allow adequate rest between sessions and incorporate regular breaks in activities that put significant strain in the area
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
DON'Ts
Minimise strenuous use and repetitive movements of the affected area - take regular breaks if unavoidable
Avoid using heat and massaging the affected area
Restrict your sporting activities until fully healed
Do not ignore your pain/symptoms! Address them promptly for a better recovery
Avoid running on uneven surfaces
Avoid increasing your activity levels too rapidly
Refrain from doing high impact activities for prolonged periods
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.