Cartilage weakening stems from various factors, including injury, overuse, and age-related degeneration. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Key Factors that Weaken Cartilage:
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Overuse and Injury: Chronic overuse of joints, such as through repetitive sports movements or other activities, leads to cartilage wear and tear. Direct injuries, like those from falls or impacts, can also cause significant cartilage damage. This is particularly true in the knee, often resulting in posttraumatic osteoarthritis. ([Chronic overuse of the knee...], [Cartilage damage: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment], [The Top 3 Reasons You've Lost Cartilage and How to Get it Back ...], [Cartilage Injury and Repair > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine], [Knee Cartilage Damage: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment], [Damaged cartilage due to overuse or injury can greatly impact quality of life.])
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Age and Degeneration: As we age, cartilage naturally degenerates, becoming thinner and less resilient. This process contributes to the development of osteoarthritis and other joint problems. ([Age], [Cartilage Diseases - PMC], [The Most Common Causes of Cartilage Loss | Regenexx® at New ...])
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Joint Instability: Joints that lack stability are more susceptible to cartilage damage due to increased stress and abnormal movement patterns. ([Joint Instability])
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Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation that can severely damage cartilage tissue. ([There are several inflammatory rheumatic diseases that lead to arthritis and can severely damage cartilage tissue.])
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Lack of Exercise: While overuse harms cartilage, a complete lack of exercise can also negatively affect it. Physical inactivity weakens supporting muscles and ligaments, increasing stress on the joints. ([Lack of Exercise])
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Medications: Certain medications, particularly high doses of corticosteroids, have been linked to cartilage damage. ([However, at higher doses (>3 mg/dose or 18-24 mg/cumulative total dose in vivo), corticosteroids were associated with significant gross cartilage damage and ...])
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Nutritional Deficiencies: While not as widely researched, some evidence suggests that deficiencies in certain nutrients can impact cartilage health. ([Nutritional Deficiencies])
Understanding Cartilage Damage:
Cartilage is a vital connective tissue that cushions and protects joints. Damage to this tissue can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement, potentially leading to joint deformity. ([Injured, inflamed, or damaged cartilage can cause symptoms such as pain and limited movement. It can also lead to joint damage and deformity.], [Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue, that reduces friction between joints, holds bones together, and helps support weight.])
