Knee Cartilage Tear

• Introduction
• 1 Hamstring Strain
• 2 Sprained Ankle
• 3 Knee Cartilage Tear
• 4 Hernia
• 5 Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

What is a Knee Cartilage Tear?

A torn cartilage occurs fairly frequently in football. Cartilage tears accounted for 12% of all Premiership injuries in the PhysioRoom.com 2004/2005 Analysis of Injuries. The term cartilage tear is slightly misleading, since it is the meniscus within the knee that is actually damaged. There are two menisci within each knee joint that are made from tough fibrocartilage - hence the use of the term cartilage for this injury.

As the knee joint bends the thigh bone usually rolls, spins and glides on the top surface of the shin bone. However, if there is rotation caused by a twist whilst the joint is bearing weight, the menisci can get jammed and nipped in between the two bones. If the force is sufficient, a tear of the meniscus will occur.

Cartilage tears are usually accompanied by pain and knee swelling. If it is a small tear if may simply settle down. However, with larger cartilage tears, the flap of torn cartilage may interfere with joint movement and cause the knee point to lock or give way.

What can you do to prevent a Knee Cartilage Tear?

There isn't a great deal that you can do to prevent a Cartilage tear. These injuries occur due to the positioning of the knee in a semi bent position while it is bearing weight. Having strong Quadriceps and Hamstring muscles that can deal with the strain on the knee joint may be helpful.

What should you do if you suffer a Torn Knee Cartilage?

Cases of knee pain and knee swelling that are accompanied by locking and giving way should be assessed by a chartered physiotherapist or doctor. Small cartilage tears may settle with physiotherapy treatment, but more significant cartilage tears may require surgery.

Surgical removal of the torn fibrocartilage is known as a meniscectomy. This knee surgery is usually undertaken using an arthroscope – a small camera that allows the surgeon to visualise the inside of the knee. The surgeon then uses a small burring device to trim away the torn cartilage. Following surgery, a period of 4 to 6 weeks physiotherapy is usually required.

Sprained Ankle

Hernia

Recommended Products for Torn Cartilage Knee Injury

Torn Cartilage Knee Supports & Braces

Vulkan 5mm Neoprene Knee Support (open kneecap)

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McDavid Adjustable Patella Knee Support

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'One Size Fits All' knee support for knee ligament and cartilage injuries. The wraparound neoprene design has supportive steel...

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Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace with Kevlar

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Vulkan Silicon Knee Support

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Silicon lined knee support for knee injury treatment and sports use. Provides warmth and extra compression to speed up healing...

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Mueller Hg80 Knee Brace with Kevlar

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Ultra comfortable hinge free knee brace with closed kneecap. Features flexible steel springs that provide support for cartilage...

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Donjoy Drytex Playmaker Knee Brace

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FOR SPORT & REHAB!Superb sports and skiing hinged knee brace for ACL knee ligament injuries and cartilage tears. Has...

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Rehabilitation Kit

Exercise Band Pack

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Superb value, 8 x 1m length resistance bands in all 4 varying strengths, for use during rehab exercises for the shoulder, ankle,...

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Wooden Wobble Board

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A very robust 35cm diameter wooden Wobble Board with an anti-slip top. Tilts around a full 360 degrees for the ultimate balance...

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AquaJogger 100 Floatation Belt

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A floatation belt that allows an early return to activity in the swimming pool. Early non weight bearing cardiovascular...

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Ice Packs & Cold Therapy

PhysioRoom.com Instant Ice Pack

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Mueller Reusable Cold/Hot Therapy Wrap (Large)

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Aircast Knee Cryo/Cuff with Cooler

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