Have you ever wondered how we can do these things without our bones rubbing against each other or getting hurt when we run, jump, lift weights, or do everyday tasks? The main reason for this is the special tissue called 'cartilage' that protects our joints and is found between the bones. Simply put, it is like a 'shock absorber' in our body.
What service does cartilage provide to our body?
Cartilage is a strong, yet flexible connective tissue that protects our bones and joints. Specifically, cartilage has three main functions.
- Absorbing shock: This absorbs the pressure, or shock, that comes to our bones and joints during movements like walking and running. Think about it, isn't it less pressure on our feet when we jump in a good 'running shoe' than when we jump barefoot? Cartilage acts like the cushion in that 'shoe' inside our joints.
- Reducing friction: Cartilage prevents two bones from rubbing against each other at a joint, helping them move smoothly and easily. This prevents the bones from wearing down.
- Supporting structures: Cartilage helps our joints maintain their shape and move. It also helps connect tissues like our muscles, tendons, and ligaments to our bones.
In addition to these main functions, cartilage is also the main tissue in some parts of our body. For example, our nose, earlobes, and trachea are made of cartilage.
What types of cartilage are there in our body?
There are three main types of cartilage in our body. Each type has a specific function. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Cartilage type | Description | Locations on the body |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaline cartilage | This is the most common type of cartilage in our bodies. It is very smooth and slippery, helping bones move without rubbing against each other. Although flexible, it is strong enough to maintain the shape of joints. | - The ends of the bones that form joints - Between the ribs - In the nasal passages |
| Fibrocartilage | As the name suggests, this is a very strong type of cartilage made up of dense fibers. It is the least flexible of the three types. It helps to hold body parts in place and absorb heavy shocks. | - The meniscus of the knee - Discs between the vertebrae of the spine - As a support for muscles, tendons and ligaments |
| Elastic cartilage | This is the most flexible type of cartilage in our body. It is what supports the areas that need to bend and move. When we bend and unbend our ears, they spring back to their original shape, right? That's because of this elastic cartilage. | - Outer earlobes - Eustachian tubes - Larynx/voice box |
What are the common diseases that affect cartilage?
There are many different ways that cartilage can be damaged. Sometimes it can happen suddenly in an accident, or it can be damaged gradually over time.
- Injuries: Cartilage can be torn or broken during sports or other accidents. Injuries such as tearing the meniscus of the knee or dislocating the shoulder can damage the cartilage in the joint. Sometimes, an injury to a joint can cause a condition called ``Osteochondritis dissecans''.
- Osteoarthritis: Simply put, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. As we age, the cartilage in our joints gradually wears away. This reduces the cushioning between the bones, causing pain and swelling in the joints.
- Herniated disks: This is commonly referred to as a "slipped disk." This condition occurs when the cartilage discs between the vertebrae in our spine become torn or damaged.
How does a doctor diagnose a cartilage problem?
Your doctor will not usually examine the cartilage alone. Instead, they will do a complete physical exam to look for symptoms. In addition, they may order tests to look inside the body, such as:
- X-rays
- MRI scan (MRI)
- CT scan
What are the treatments for damaged cartilage?
Treatment methods vary depending on the location and nature of the damage. Often, when cartilage is damaged, other surrounding tissues are also damaged. Therefore, the doctor is tempted to treat the entire injury.
Some cartilage injuries heal over time with rest. But some serious injuries require surgery. This is often done through a keyhole surgery called arthroscopy. In this procedure, the surgeon may sew the torn cartilage back together or trim or shave it to restore its function. Talk to your doctor about the treatment you need and the recovery time.
Most importantly, because cartilage has no direct blood supply (avascular), it takes a little longer to heal than other parts of the body.
How do we keep our cartilage healthy?
Good health habits help keep our cartilage and the parts of the body it supports healthy.
- Regular exercise: Strengthening the muscles around the joints can reduce the pressure on the joints.
- Maintain a healthy weight: As your body weight increases, the pressure on your joints, especially your knees and hips, increases. Controlling your weight can help reduce cartilage wear and tear.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products slows down the healing process because it reduces blood flow to the body's tissues.
If you are recovering from an injury, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. It is very important to rest until you are fully healed. If you start playing sports or running again before the cartilage has fully healed, you are much more likely to get injured again in the same area.
Take-Home Message
- Cartilage is an important tissue that protects our joints and bones and acts like the body's 'shock absorber'.
- There are three main types of cartilage in our body (hyaline, fibrocartilage, elastic), each of which has a different function.
- Cartilage can be damaged by accidents and osteoarthritis that occurs with aging.
- Since cartilage does not have a direct blood supply, it takes some time to heal if it is damaged. Therefore, it is very important to rest until it is fully healed, without rushing it.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (exercise, weight control) can help keep your cartilage healthy for a long time.
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