A COMMON CONDITION
Knee pain is a common condition with many possible?causes. You may have injured your knee playing a sport, through overuse, or even while performing a simple, everyday activity. No matter what caused your injury, you probably know all too well that?knee pain can impact the quality of your?life.
CARTILAGE DOES NOT HEAL ON ITS OWN
If your pain persists, even?after?a?surgical procedure to treat cartilage defects of the knee, there is another?treatment option?that may bring you?long-lasting relief.
HOW THE KNEE WORKS
Your knee is a complex joint serving?as the meeting point for three major bones: the tibia (shin bone), the femur (thigh bone), and the patella (knee cap). Ligaments and cartilage are tissues?connecting and protecting?these bones at the knee joint.
CARTILAGE: A KEY CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Cartilage is a strong, rubbery tissue found in many parts of the body, including joints. There are two types of cartilage found in the knee:
Meniscus?acts as a cushion between the bones
Articular cartilage?covers the ends of the bones to ensure smooth movement
ARTICULAR CARTILAGE CAN BE DAMAGED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS
CHRONIC OR REPETITIVE ACTIONS
Exercise, sports, or physical work can cause cartilage to weaken and wear out with time
ACUTE OR TRAUMATIC EVENTS
Such as a fall?can cause immediate and severe cartilage damage
SYMPTOMS OF KNEE INJURIES
CARTILAGE DOES NOT HEAL ON ITS OWN
Unlike other tissues, cartilage does not repair itself. That?s why cartilage injuries are chronic and often get worse as time goes on. If conservative treatment has not?worked?to relieve pain,?surgery is often the answer.
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