Cartilage Disorders
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Cartilage is the tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to other parts of your body, such as your ears, nose and windpipe. Healthy cartilage helps you move by allowing your bones to glide over each other. It also protects bones by preventing them from rubbing against each other.
Injured, inflamed, or damaged cartilage can cause symptoms such as pain and limited movement. It can also lead to joint damage and deformity. Causes of cartilage problems include :
- Tears and injuries, such as sports injuries
- Genetic factors
- Other disorders, such as some types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis results from breakdown of cartilage.
NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Arthroscopy · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Glucosamine: Does It Protect Cartilage in Osteoarthritis? · Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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