Jeremy Newberry is the starting center for the San Francisco 49ers. We should say was the starting center, as he was placed on the injured reserve on November 28, 2005. Jeremy played college ball at California and started his career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1998. He is a team leader and has been a nominated pro bowl player. Jeremy is dedicated to community service, which has helped him become a popular player in the bay area.
This is the second year in a row that he’s gone in the injured reserve. This year it’s due to a knee injury he suffered in a loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Jeremy’s knee injury is compounded by the fact he has almost no remaining cartilage in his right knee. For a lineman this is a crucial body part as it absorbs their weight and the force of defenders.
What is knee cartilage? Cartilage is a tissue that the body forms. It is dense and fiborous, and it’s main purpose is to provide shock absorption. This type is called meniscus.
How does knee cartilage become injured? You can injure your knee cartilage through over use, over extension, tearing or trauma.
How can you fix knee cartilage? If the cartilage becomes lose it can move around your joint and cause pain. If surgery is performed a short time after the injury the cartilage can be reattached.
Can you replace knee cartilage? Yes you can, but the surgery isn’t guaranteed. The surgeon will use a cadaver meniscus and place it in your knee. This is called meniscus transplantation.
I have tried exercise, chiropractors, acupuncture, a million NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants. Nothing helps except for massage and very hot baths, sometimes with Tiger Balm applied to the lumbar region and afterwards bed rest. It helps to ease up my muscles and for getting through the pain/minor injuries that sometimes happen.