How Cartilage Damage Affects Your Joints and What You Can Do

What is Cartilage and Why Does It Matter?

Cartilage is a smooth, flexible tissue that provides cushioning and reduces friction between bones. It is particularly essential in weight-bearing joints, such as the knee, hip, and shoulder. Without

healthy cartilage, bones rub against each other, which can cause pain, inflammation, and a decrease in joint function. Damage to cartilage can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. Cartilage loss is often associated with osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease.

How Cartilage Damage Affects Your Joints

When cartilage is damaged, it can lead to several musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Pain and Swelling: As the cartilage breaks down, bones begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation and pain.
• Stiffness: Damaged cartilage can make it harder to move the joint, leading to a loss of flexibility.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Without cartilage to cushion the joint, movement becomes more limited, and the joint may feel locked or “stuck.”
• Increased Risk of Injury: A weakened joint is more prone to further injury, such as tendon or ligament damage, which can complicate treatment.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to contact our orthopedic doctor in Commack, NY, to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment options.

Causes of Cartilage Damage

Cartilage damage can happen for many reasons, and it affects different joints in various ways. Common causes include:

• Sports Injuries: Athletes are often at risk for cartilage damage due to high-impact activities or sports injuries. Common injuries include ACL tears and meniscus damage in the knee, which can lead to cartilage breakdown.
• Overuse: Repeating the same motion over time can put a strain on the cartilage, leading to wear and tear, particularly in active adults.
• Trauma: A bone fracture or joint injury can cause cartilage damage, especially if the injury affects the surrounding structures like tendons or ligaments.
• Aging: As we age, cartilage naturally breaks down, leading to osteoarthritis in many joints, particularly the knees, hips, and shoulders.

If you’re dealing with cartilage damage due to a sports injury or overuse, an orthopedic specialist can help you assess the severity and guide you through potential treatment methods, including physical therapy or surgical intervention.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cartilage Damage

When you visit an orthopedic doctor near Commack, they will begin by asking about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to understand the type of injury you’re dealing with. Diagnostic tools like X-rays or MRIs may be used to assess the extent of cartilage damage and rule out other conditions.

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your orthopedic surgeon will discuss treatment options based on the severity of the cartilage damage and your specific needs. These may include:

• Physical Therapy: Non-invasive treatments like physical therapy can help relieve pain, improve joint function, and reduce inflammation.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Arthroscopic surgery is a common method for treating cartilage damage. This involves small incisions and the use of a camera to guide the surgeon in repairing or removing damaged cartilage, which can speed up recovery times and reduce risks associated with open surgery.
• Joint Replacement: In cases where cartilage damage is severe, such as in advanced osteoarthritis, a total joint replacement may be necessary. This surgical procedure replaces the damaged joint with a prosthetic, offering pain relief and improved function.

Depending on the type of injury, your orthopedic doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments first. However, if surgery is necessary, orthopedic surgery and sports medicine specialists, such as Dr. Michael J. Sileo, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Commack, will discuss your surgical options, including the use of arthroscopy for minimally invasive cartilage repair.

What to Expect from Treatment With An Orthopedic Doctor Commack NY

Every patient’s treatment plan will differ based on their individual condition. After diagnosing your cartilage damage, your doctor will discuss the best course of action, which may include surgical procedures like ACL reconstruction or joint replacement. Whether you’re looking for general orthopedics or specialized sports medicine care, Dr. Sileo and his team provide a wide range of orthopedic care options.

If surgery is recommended, it’s important to understand the procedure and the expected recovery timeline. While surgery may offer long-term pain relief, rehabilitation through physical therapy is often required to regain strength and mobility. Recovery times will vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the extent of cartilage damage.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Seeing an orthopedist early on can help you manage symptoms and prevent further damage. The sooner you schedule an orthopedic appointment with a specialist, the better your chances are for managing your condition effectively and avoiding the need for more invasive procedures.

Dr. Michael J. Sileo is a highly regarded orthopedic doctor in Commack, NY, and specializes in diagnosing and treating joint injuries and cartilage damage. If you think you may have cartilage damage or any orthopedic injuries, request an appointment with Dr. Sileo to begin your journey to recovery.

Contact Dr. Sileo For an Orthopedic Doctor Commack NY

Whether you are dealing with knee pain, a sports injury, or osteoarthritis, getting the right care is crucial. Book your appointment with a trusted orthopedic surgeon to start your path toward healing. Contact our orthopedic clinic in Commack, NY, to schedule your consultation and learn about your treatment options.

Remember, orthopedic care can relieve pain, improve your range of motion, and get you back to doing the things you love. Don’t wait—contact us today!