WHAT IS CARTILAGE?

Cartilage is a strong, flexible connective tissue that protects your joints and bones. It acts as a shock absorber throughout your body. Cartilage at the end of your bones reduces friction and prevents them from rubbing together when you use your joints. It’s also the main tissue in some parts of your body and gives them their structure and shape. Damage to your cartilage can happen suddenly — like a sports injury or other trauma — but it can also build up over the course of your life and lead to osteoarthritis. Anything that injures or damages your cartilage can make it hard or impossible to use your joints the way you’re used to.

HOW DO I PROTECT MY CARTILAGE?

General healthy habits will help your cartilage (and the structures it supports) work like it should, including:

• Exercising regularly. Strength training and learning how to use your muscles to absorb shock is a great way to protect your cartilage.

• Maintaining a healthy weight. The heavier we are, the more pressure we exert on our cartilage.

• Not smoking or using tobacco products. Smoking and tobacco products have been shown to delay the natural healing process our bodies go through after an injury.

If you’re recovering from an injury, follow your physical therapist’s or surgeon’s instructions to help your body heal.