Cartilage softening is the gradual alteration of the cartilage structure, leading to pains that can turn everyday tasks into significant challenges. Serious inflammations and conditions related to cartilage softening most commonly develop in the knee joint. What can be done to counteract this?
Symptoms of Cartilage Softening
The risk of developing cartilage softening mainly affects the younger population. In the case of intensely active men and women involved in sports, the knee subjected to stress that can easily result in cartilage softening. Several signs may indicate this “youth epidemic,” such as:
- Dull, stabbing pain in the front part of the knee during sport activities.
- The knee progressively tolerates less load within a short period.
- Gradual development of knee pain during simple, everyday movements.
- The knee produces a clicking, popping sound during certain series of movements.
A paradox of the disease is that initially, the first stabbing pains occur after rising from a prolonged sitting position.
It’s important to note that athletes tend to confuse the symptoms of cartilage softening with simply overworked joints. Of course, this does not exclude the possibility that the joint indeed requires less strain, but it is worth paying attention to the warning signs from then on. If the background of the pain involves the softening of cartilage, simple relief may no longer suffice. The untreated knee joint’s cartilage weakens to the extent that pain may arise from simple knee bending, and later on, even basic activities like walking, climbing stairs, or squatting can lead to significant pain.
Causes of Cartilage Softening
During cartilage softening, the structure of the cartilage loosens and its quality deteriorates: the previously hard surface drastically softens. The underlying causes can be numerous and exploring them is a complex diagnostic task. Common causes include:
- dislocation of the patella (kneecap) in the joint,
- changes of the axis in the lower limbs,
- uneven or excessive stress on the joints,
- flat feet,
- injuries resulting from impact.
In adolescents, various other factors may arise, such as:
- knock knees,
- increased rotation in the hip,
- inappropriate training plans.
During sports that expose the knee to a higher risk of injury, cartilage softening is more likely to develop – such as soccer, volleyball, or martial arts.
Treatment of Cartilage Softening
Before doing anything, it is essential to consult with a specialist. During the medical examination, various images will be prepared of the knee. The reason for this is that while X-rays may not immediately detect the root of the problem in the joint, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can.
After the examination, it is crucial to rest the affected knee.
The following can be beneficial:
- icing:
- elevation:
- taking cartilage-strengthening supplements can also facilitate faster recovery.
In cases of extreme pain, taking steroid anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor may become necessary. In the later stages of recovery, physiotherapy is recommended. Yoga, swimming, and physiotherapy are joint-friendly forms of exercise that benefit not only our joints but also our muscles and mental well-being. The advantage of these forms of movement, especially targeted physiotherapy, is that by relieving the joint of stress, they re-strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities, restoring movement speed and coordination.
However, we should definitely wait with intensive sports and do not put our newly recovered knee under heavy strain. Premature sport and sudden strain can cause serious complications, some of which may even be permanent.
If pain persists, it is essential to consult with a medical practitioner again. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. During surgery, cartilage deformities are corrected, and detached pieces are removed.
How can Cartilage Softening be prevented?
Before starting to exercise, it is important to warm up, stretch thoroughly, and use appropriate sport shoes. Avoid flat shoes; instead, always wear sport shoes. Avoid movements that expose our knees to excessive stress. If a stabbing pain occurs, immediately stop and alleviate the strain, such as reducing the running distance.
To prevent further issues, it is worth making lifestyle changes. Strive to reduce body weight, thus alleviating a significant burden on the knees. Additionally, it is recommended to protect the knees with knee support during both sport activities and everyday life. The support effectively helps in relieving and protecting the problematic joint from additional injuries and cartilage softening.
