The Injury Hub

Cartilage Damage: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of cartilage damage.

The Injury Hub: Cartilage Damage

What is cartilage damage?

Cartilage damage is relatively common and often occurs due to trauma or an associated medical condition. The most common cases of cartilage damage occur in the knee. Cartilage covers the surfaces of joints and functions as a shock absorber and prevents friction during movement. Unlike other tissues it has a poor blood supply which can affect its ability to heal.

If arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery is recommended, it is often advisable to strengthen the muscles around the joint before the date of surgery, as this will speed up the recovery time after surgery.

Athlete suffering from knee pain

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common cartilage damage injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

Cartilage damage may be caused due to a sudden injury, osteoarthritis, infection, a fall or impact, ligament tear or joint dislocation.

Symptoms include:

  • Decreased movement

  • Swelling

  • Joint pain

  • Stiffness

If the cartilage damage is severe, a piece of cartilage may have broken off and float around in the joint space. This can cause a feeling of joint ‘locking’ or catching. Sometimes the joint may also give way and feel unstable. The joints that are most affected by cartilage injuries are the knee, shoulder, elbow and hip.

 

Physiotherapy treatments are often provided after the surgery in order to help decrease stiffness and pain and assist in returning the individual to complete independence and a more active lifestyle.

Acupuncture is also of great benefit in many of these situations, to help control pain post-surgery.

It is highly recommended that you attend Physiotherapy for rehabilitation following keyhole surgery, a knee/ shoulder arthroscopy, after a knee or hip replacement operation or after the insertion of metals plates or pins into various joints.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists have an extensive range of experience in treating patients with cartilage damage for both pre- and post-operative stages of rehab.

Physiotherapy treatments are often provided after the surgery in order to help decrease stiffness and pain and assist in returning the individual to complete independence and a more active lifestyle. It is important that you complete a course of physiotherapy following surgery to maximise your recovery.

Our Physiotherapists work with many Orthopaedic Surgeons in Dublin and are happy to refer patients where we feel surgery is appropriate.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.

Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Sunday: Closed

*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics

This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.

Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Call Us: 01 611 1740

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