The cartilage in the joints plays an important role in controlling the movement and weight of the body, but it wears away over time.
The following factors increase the risk of developing cartilage damage:
Age: In case of older people, cartilage is thinner and less flexible, so it can be damaged more easily.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to cartilage damage.
Excess weight: Extra weight puts strain on the joints of the limbs, which can lead to faster cartilage wear.
Sports: Intense physical activity, such as running, volleyball or weightlifting, increases the risk of developing cartilage damage.
Trauma: Injury to joints can increase the risk of developing cartilage damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis, also known as osteoporosis, is a deterioration of the bones, leading to a loss of bone composition, which can increase the risk of cartilage loss.
Depending on the cause, the treatment for cartilage wear may vary, and may include pain relief, physical therapy, dietary supplements, high potency herbal creams, or surgery.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage in the joint gradually thins and becomes damaged.
There are several types of cartilage damage, including osteoarthritis (inflammation of the joints due to wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by an autoimmune disease) and cartilage thinning.
The main types of cartilage wear
Degenerative cartilage damage: cartilage wear that occurs over time as a result of natural ageing processes.
Traumatic cartilage wear: Cartilage damage that occurs as a result of injuries such as sports accidents, car accidents or other external forces.
Inflammatory cartilage damage: Cartilage wear resulting from inflammation of the joints, for example in rheumatoid arthritis.
Metabolic cartilage damage: Cartilage wear resulting from metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Other types include:
Osteoarthritis of the hand: damage to the cartilage of the finger joints, which can cause pain, weakness and limited mobility.
Elbow cartilage damage: damage to the cartilage of the elbow joint, which can cause pain and limited mobility.
Knee cartilage damage: damage to the cartilage of the knee joint, which may cause pain and limitation of movement.
Ankle joint cartilage damage: damage to the cartilage of the ankle joint that can cause pain and limitation of movement.
