Cartilage can be attacked by various factors, including:
- Inflammation: Conditions like relapsing polychondritis directly target cartilage, causing inflammation and deterioration.
- Wear and Tear: Osteoarthritis results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage due to overuse, injury, or aging.
- Autoimmune Disorders: In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, including cartilage.
- Genetic Factors: Cartilage-hair hypoplasia is a genetic disorder affecting cartilage development and leading to skeletal abnormalities.
These are just a few examples of what can attack cartilage. Other factors like infections, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to cartilage damage.
