Is cartilage self re-newing?

Question

I have been diagnosed with runners-knees (patello-femoral pain syndrome). I am in physical therapy to increase the surrounding muscles, but will the cartilage that has worn away ever come back? What other remedies are helpful for this condition?

P.S. I do not run or do any strenuous exercises that I can contribute to this disorder. I am a 34 year old female.

Answer 1

Yes & no. I have some sites for you that you will benfit from. I hate to be the one to tell you that knees wear out & sometimes must be replaced. However most doctors ( all that I've talked to ) will not do this till you are 50 or older. Please see the sites I found for you.

The main symptom in osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage, which can lead to pain and limited motion in the joints. You may be wondering what cartilage is, and what purpose it serves. Knowing what cartilage is and what it does can help you better understand osteoarthritis and how to protect your joints.

Cartilage is made mainly of a protein called collagen, which also gives skin its elasticity. Cartilage covers the ends of bones, and provides cushioning to prevent bones from rubbing together during movement and impact. It also offers a slick surface that allows your bones to glide against each other so your joints can move smoothly.

Healthy cartilage is strong and elastic. But when you have osteoarthristis, the cushioning cartilage surface wears away. As cartilage breaks down, bones rub together and joins no longer move as easily and comfortably as they did before. The result is the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.

Scientists once thought that cartilage, when damaged, could not be repair itself and regenerate like bones and other tissues can. Recent research has indicated that in some cases, however, catilage can repair itself. Researchers are investigating this possiblility, which may provide clues to better osteoarthritis treatments. Currently, experimental techniques to enhance cartilage repair have only been successful following an injury in people who have otherwise healthy cartilage. However, in the future such repair may be possible


http://www.HomeTherapy.ca
http://www.equinox-products.com
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartilage
http://www.cartilage.org/
http://www.kumc.edu/instruction/medicine/anatomy/histoweb/cart/cart.htm
http://www.arthroscopy.com/sp05005.htm
http://www.polychondritis.com/connectivetissue/Cartilage/WhatisCartilage.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cartilagedisorders.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=242&topcategory=Arm
http://www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=ta016 **knee disorders***

From here down are knee problems only

http://www.synvisc.com
http://www.HomeTherapy.ca
http://www.KneeReplacement.com
http://www.EverydayHealth.com
http://www.Knee.MedicineSpot.net
http://www.righthealth.com
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/meniscusinjuries1/g/meniscus.htm
http://www.orthopedics.about.com/cs/meniscusinjuries1/a/meniscus.htm
http://www.orthop.washington.edu
http://www.arthroscopy.com/sp05005.htm
http://www.webmd.com/content/article **regrowing**
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060705082457.htm

This will give you all you want to know & more. I hope I've helped you

Answer 2

Sometimes it will.

Ask your doctor about SYNVISC injections. Provided its just cartilage issues it's helped many people with the same issues.

Answer 3

Try drinking home-made bone broth on a regular basis

Answer 4

http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/OA/oa_cartilage.asp

The upshot is yes, cartilage is self renewing in otherwise healthy people.