Cartilage Injuries

Cartilage keeps your joints moving, so when it’s damaged, you need effective solutions quickly. At his offices in Beverly Hills and the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, orthopedic surgeon Robert H. Cho, MD, can diagnose and treat cartilage injuries to relieve pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. To get appropriate orthopedic care before the condition worsens, call the nearest office or book your appointment online today.

What causes cartilage injuries? 

You may develop a cartilage injury from sudden trauma or gradual wear-and-tear. Cartilage has a limited blood supply, so it doesn’t heal as easily as other tissues, making prompt evaluation important.

Some often-seen causes of cartilage injuries include:

• Sports-related injuries
• Falls or accidents
• Sudden twisting motions of a joint
• Repetitive stress on the joints
• Joint dislocations
• Fractures involving the joint surface
• Age-related degeneration and osteoarthritis

Cartilage injuries can affect many joints throughout the body, but they’re especially common in the knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle. If you’re an athlete or very active, you may be at increased risk due to the demands on your joints.

What symptoms can indicate cartilage injuries? 

Common signs of cartilage damage include:

• Joint pain during movement or activity
• Swelling around the affected joint
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations
• Joint instability or weakness
• Difficulty bearing weight
• A feeling that the joint is locking or getting stuck

These symptoms look a lot like other orthopedic conditions, so getting a diagnosis from Dr. Cho is important to ensure you’re on the right track with treatment.

When should I seek help for cartilage injuries? 

Talk to Dr. Cho if joint pain, swelling, or stiffness persists for several days following an injury, or if symptoms interfere with your work, sports, exercise, or daily activities.

Prompt medical attention is especially important if you experience:

• Significant swelling
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Joint locking or instability
• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Symptoms that continue to worsen

Early diagnosis can help prevent further joint damage and improve treatment outcomes.

How are cartilage injuries treated? 

Treatment for cartilage injuries depends on the location, size, and severity of the damage, as well as your age and activity level. Dr. Cho may manage mild cartilage injuries with conservative treatments such as:

• Rest
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Supportive bracing

For more significant injuries, he may recommend advanced orthopedic treatments. Options may include:

• Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures
• Cartilage repair techniques
• Cartilage restoration procedures
• Other surgical interventions needed to preserve your joint’s health

Dr. Cho aims to relieve your pain, restore mobility, and help you return to living your life without pain and stiffness. Call the nearest office of Robert H. Cho, MD, to discuss cartilage injuries, or request your appointment online today.