Cartilage Damage

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Other names for Cartilage Damage

Articular Cartilage Lesion
Cartilage Injury
Chondral Damage
Labral Tear (hip/shoulder-specific)
Meniscal Tear (knee-specific)

Synopsis of Cartilage Damage

Cartilage damage refers to the injury or degeneration of cartilage, the resilient and flexible connective tissue found in joints, the ear, nose, and respiratory tract. Articular cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in synovial joints, is most commonly affected. It facilitates smooth joint motion and absorbs shock during activities like walking, running, or lifting. Damage to cartilage impairs joint function, often causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and, over time, can lead to degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Types of Cartilage Damage:

  • Articular cartilage injury: Occurs in major joints (knees, hips, ankles) from trauma or degeneration.

  • Meniscal tear: Involves fibrocartilage in the knee, often due to twisting injuries.

  • Labral tear: Affects the shoulder or hip, where cartilage stabilizes the joint.

  • Elastic cartilage damage: Found in the ear or nose, less commonly injured.

Common Causes:

  • Direct trauma (sports injuries, falls)

  • Repetitive overuse or stress on joints

  • Age-related degeneration (osteoarthritis)

  • Obesity increasing joint load

  • Poor biomechanics or misalignment

  • Inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

Severity Factors:

  • Mild: Surface softening or slight fraying with intermittent discomfort.

  • Moderate: Partial-thickness tears with pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

  • Severe: Full-thickness defects exposing bone, leading to chronic pain and joint dysfunction.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Ongoing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness not improving after rest

  • Joint instability, locking, or giving way

  • Grinding, clicking, or catching sensations in the joint

  • Difficulty bearing weight or performing daily activities

  • After traumatic injury with persistent symptoms

Natural remedies for Cartilage Damage

Rest: Reduce joint load and avoid aggravating activities.

Ice therapy: Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times daily to decrease pain and swelling.

Compression: Use joint wraps or sleeves to provide stability and limit swelling.

Elevation: Elevate the joint above heart level to aid fluid drainage.

Gentle exercise: Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga maintain joint flexibility and strength without stressing cartilage.

Anti-inflammatory nutrition: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., turmeric, ginger, berries).

Weight loss: Relieve excess pressure on weight-bearing joints.

Additional Help

Talk with Dr. Shannyn

Struggling with chronic symptoms?
Many health concerns are complex—and what works for one person may not work for another. Talk with Dr. Shannyn, our licensed naturopathic doctor, to get personalized guidance on which herbs, nutrients, or lifestyle shifts could support your healing.

Schedule a Free Consult →
Personalized support. No pressure. No cost.

At-Home Lab Testing

Get to the root of what’s really going on.
Symptoms like fatigue, bloating, skin issues, or mood changes often point to deeper imbalances. Our at-home lab tests make it easy to investigate hormone health, gut function, food sensitivities, and more—no clinic visit required.

Explore Lab Testing →
Results interpreted with expert support. No clinic visit required.