“How long does it take for torn cartilage to heal?”
I had an accident that caused me to have torn cartilage in my knee. How long would it take for me to recover from this?
3 Answers
When college or NFL football players have a torn meniscus surgery, they miss 2 or 3 games.
cartilage usually does not heal. Cartilage tears are a normal aspect of living, Cartilage does not have blood flow and only in rare instances does it receive enough nutrition to heal. On the other hand, cartilage also does not have nerve supply and thus tears are often painless! Usually, one must tear or wear enough cartilage away that the underlying bone to start hurting. Bone is full of nerve, which is why hitting your shin, sustaining a fracture, or developing degenerative or post traumatic arthritis (thin cartilage) hurts.
Nabil A Ebraheim
Orthopedist
Recovery is going to vary depending on the severity of the tear and the patient. It would be best to have an evaluation completed by a physician, that way they are able to give you a better idea.
