Osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD injuries, occur when pieces of cartilage and bone come loose. This usually occurs at the ends of the bones where they form joints. They can happen to anyone at any age, but young male athletes between the ages of 10 and 20 tend to get them more often. Young athletic females are also at a higher risk. While it can affect any joint, the knee is a common site for this injury. For reasons not well understood, this condition occurs when there is poor blood supply to the affected area. If OCD injury symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent the development of osteoarthritis in the joint.
Pain
The first warning sign of OCD is often joint pain, claims the Mayo Clinic. Pain will usually be localized to the affected area and tends to get worse with activity and better with rest. This includes activity associated with sports. The pain also can occur during everyday activities, such as walking or going up stairs. Any new joint pain or tenderness should always be evaluated by a physician to rule out serious illness.
Joint Instability
As pieces of bone and cartilage pull away from the end of the bone, the joint may begin to feel unstable or as if it is about to give out, claims the Family Doctor. This symptom can occur whether the cartilage and pieces of bone stay attached or they break loose into the joint. Joint instability may or may not be accompanied by sensations that the joint is locking, along with popping or clicking sounds during movement.
Joint Swelling
OCD injuries may occur after repetitive use of a joint, from a trauma or from a direct blow. If the condition comes on slowly, joint swelling may appear at first only during or after activity, and then subside with rest. If the condition comes on quickly, the affected joint will become quite swollen very abruptly, warns the Osteochondritis Dissecans Treatment Group of North America.
Joint Stiffness
Along with all of the above, an OCD injury can also cause the affected joint to feel stiff or hard to move. Range of motion may be limited and it may be difficult to place weight on the injured joint. Decreasing activity until symptoms subside, medication to control pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, surgery, may be tried to help to manage this injury.
