Quick Answer
Cartilage is a smooth, flexible tissue that cushions joints and supports body structures. It doesn’t contain blood vessels, so healing takes time, making prevention and proper care essential.
Key Takeaways
- Start walking 10 minutes a day to lubricate joints naturally
- Avoid jumping or running on hard surfaces regularly
- Eat colorful fruits and vegetables to support tissue repair
- Cushions joints like knees, hips, and shoulders to absorb impact
- Forms the structure of the nose and ears
Troubleshooting & Solutions
Common Problems & Solutions
Why this happens
Repeated stress, aging, or injury wears down articular cartilage in the knee, leading to pain and swelling.
How to fix it
- 1Rest the affected joint and avoid high-impact activities
- 2Apply ice for 15–20 minutes after activity to reduce inflammation
- 3Use over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) as directed
Mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring pain and continuing intense workouts
- Using heat pads immediately after activity when there's swelling
When to seek help: See a doctor if pain lasts more than 2 weeks, worsens at night, or limits daily movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cartilage has limited self-repair ability because it lacks blood vessels. Minor tears may heal slowly, but significant damage usually requires medical treatment.
Sources & References
- [1]Cartilage — Wikipedia
Wikipedia, 2026