Have you torn your cartilage?
We know how frustrating it can be when knee problems stop you doing the things you enjoy like walking the dog, going to the gym or even playing with your children.
We will diagnose your knee problem quickly and provide you with the best treatments to get you active, mobile and living pain-free again.
Cartilage Tears
The Cartilage in your knee is also known as the meniscus. It acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. Your knee has two menisci. They can be found on the inner and outer sides of your knee and are crescent shaped.
When you tear your cartilage it can put a lot of strain on your knee and lead to knee pain, swelling and stiffness. A torn cartilage can also make your knee feel unsteady and stop you doing the things you enjoy.
Symptoms of cartilage tears
It's possible that if you have a tear in your cartilage your symptoms may improve after a while. If they persist for more than a few weeks then you should consider seeing a knee specialist. Larger tears that cause your knee to lock will require assessment and possibly surgery straight away.
Treatment
There are a few different tests that I often use to work out what the cause of your knee problem is. These are often simple, are quick to do, and do not hurt.
There are loads of good treatments available for cartilage tears, which will depend on the type of tear, the condition of your knee and your general health and activity levels.
These can include advice on lifestyle changes, like giving up smoking and weight loss, tablets, specialist injections, and physiotherapist-led exercise programs.
Sometimes patients are seen just the once and discharged, sometimes it is recommended to have follow up appointments, for example to see if a particular treatment is working
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure that is usually carried out to treat cartilage tears. This is also known as key-hole surgery. There are two main procedures depending on the issue. Sometimes it is possible to repair a tear but if this is not possible the torn meniscus will need to be trimmed to create a smooth edge. This is called a partial meniscectomy.
Gareth Stables
Cheshire Orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Gareth Stables, is a fully UK trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knee surgery. Gareth has the highest qualifications possible for an orthopaedic surgeon in the UK, FRCS (T&O), and is on the GMC specialist register for Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery.
Gareth specialises in; keyhole or knee arthroscopy surgery, ligament reconstruction surgery, knee osteotomy and knee replacement surgery. He has over 15 years of experience in the field having qualified with a commendation in 1998 from the University of Liverpool Medical School.
"My life was transformed and the pain almost negligible.... Now no painkillers or stick. I cannot thank my caring consultant enough. I will be ever grateful for his wisdom"
"Brilliant treatment from start! Had arthritis in knee joint.Was given injection and the effect was immediate! Brilliant. Would recommend to anyone. One of the most helpful doctors I have ever seen(and I`m 73 !!)"
"Mr Stables was very understanding, patient and thoroughly competent. I would recommend anyone to have knee replacements by him. The whole experience was worthwhile and very good for my quality of life."
