Physiotherapy treatment at Vitalis, Sinnamon Park
Conditions we treat

Knee Chondral Defects Treatment in Sinnamon Park

Knee Chondral Defects can cause pain due to cartilage damage, which may result in later diagnoses of osteoarthritis. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of chondral defects aim to:

Restore Movement Reduce Pain Optimise Recovery
About the condition

What is a Knee Chondral Defect?

Cartilage lines and supports the knee joint to allow for smooth movement. Within the knee, articular cartilage acts like a cushion between the tibia (shin bone), patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone). Damage to the cartilage results in painful motion where bones grind against each other – deformities and bone spurs may develop, as well as a co-morbid diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

A chondral defects refers to an acute, specific and localised area of damage to the articular cartilage. Symptoms can be debilitating, and therapy is necessary to heal and manage the cartilage.

Causes

What are the causes of a KneeChondral Defect?

The exact cause and severity of a chondral defect can vary, however there are some common factors which may contribute to diagnosis. Injuries are typically acute. These include:

It is commonly diagnosed in 5-10% of people aged over 40, but can also occur in younger people from acute traumatic injury.

  • Sudden pivot or twist movement with a bent knee
  • Sports-related injuries – involving repetitive knee movement, e.g., netball, hockey, running, dancing, etc.
  • Falls
  • Trauma – e.g. car accident
  • Sudden force against the knee/movement of the leg Direct blow
  • Direct blow
  • Preexisting structural abnormalities
Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

  • Pain in the knee Felt as though the joint is catching, locking, popping or grinding
  • Felt as though the joint is catching, locking, popping or grinding
  • Stiffness/inability to move the knee or leg
  • Tenderness
  • Reduced range of movement (bending)
  • Reduced strength
  • Feeling of the knee giving way
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Feeling unsteady while standing
  • Gait abnormalities
  • Muscle spasms
Treatment

Treatment for Knee Chondral Defects

If you suspect you have a chondral defect, it is important to see a medical professional. You will likely be referred for an X-Ray or MRI to determine the cause and severity of the condition.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in reducing associated symptoms. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or footwear.

  • Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
  • Restoring range of movement
  • Postural improvement
  • Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Taping
  • A unique home exercise program
  • Graded Exposure to load program
Where to find us

Treating Knee Chondral Defects in Sinnamon Park

Sinnamon Park Village, 3/58 Oldfield Road — ground floor, parking at the door. Patients come to us from across Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Sinnamon ParkJindaleeMount OmmaneySeventeen Mile RocksRiverhillsMiddle ParkWestlakeSumnerDarraOxleyCorindaJamboree Heights

Can’t get to the clinic? We also offer home visits. Not sure this is what you have? See all conditions we treat.

Get it assessed properly

The sooner this is looked at, the shorter the recovery usually is. Book online in under a minute, or call and describe what is going on.

No referral needed — bring one only if you are claiming through Medicare, DVA or WorkCover.