Chondropathy is a degenerative lesion, caused by gradual wear or arthrosis, which affects the entire knee joint and its functioning. The first thing that undergoes structural changes is the cartilage that covers the joint, more precisely, the smooth surface of the cartilage becomes cracked. As the cracks become deeper, the cartilage falls out in some places and after a while, some parts of the joint can become completely exposed, causing significant pain and loss of joint function.

But arthrosis affects not only the cartilage, but also the bone structure that is located below, so the bone begins to thicken, small cavities are formed inside and degenerative cysts can develop. In this case, any movement involving the knee joint may be accompanied by severe pain.

Arthrosis can occur in any joint as we age, but the small joints of the hands, hips, knees and spine are more affected. There are some factors that can accelerate the degenerative joint process, such as a history of injury (rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament or collateral ligaments or meniscus) or genetic factors.

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints of the body, having a complex functionality. The knee joint must be mobile and supple to allow flexion and extension of the lower limb and also stable to support the entire body weight.

Walking, running and accelerating suddenly, jumping, twisting on the heel, braking, stopping (more or less sudden) are roles of the knee, which generate numerous pressures, managed by the bone, ligamentous, meniscal and muscular structures of the knee.

The bone components that form the knee joint are:

➢ the distal extremity of the femur represented by the two femoral condyles
➢ the kneecap or patella, which anteriorly unites the femoral condyles
➢ the proximal extremity of the tibia.

On the edge of the bone surfaces there is articular cartilage (a firm, smooth layer of tissue lining all the joints of the body).

Two cartilage discs in the shape of the letter C, form the meniscuses (lateral and medial) that allow the knee to move, but also have a role in the absorption of shocks.

The tendons keep the muscles and bones of the knee connected to allow the knee joint to move.

Ligaments join with all the bones of the knee giving stability to the knee.

✓ pain and cracking during the practice of physical exercise
✓ swelling (swelling of the knee), redness and inflammation
✓ tension around the knee joint, as well as fatigue

Symptoms vary from person to person and are accentuated by holding weight on the affected leg. Some people, however, may remain asymptomatic (without symptoms) for long periods of time after the onset of the condition.

It removes the worn part of the cartilage and its surface will be smoothed, also aiming to prevent further damage to the cartilage.

During recovery, a regenerative process begins in areas where the cartilage has been removed and its surface has been smoothed. Eventually, a fibrous layer of cartilage appears on previously bare surfaces. After surgery, it is recommended to rest for 2-3 days to allow the body to recover and also to allow the knee to restore its amount of lubricating fluid, fluid affected during surgery.

After surgery and related rest days, it is necessary to follow a regular program of physical exercise, exercises aimed at toning the stabilizing muscles of the knee and relieving pain. It is important to follow the advice of a physical therapist since moving sooner than indicated or practicing the exercise program inconsistently/incorrectly can damage the fragile cartilage.

It may be beneficial to accelerate the regeneration of tissues affected by chondropathy.