Arthritis Is a Cartilage Problem—Not a Bone Problem
When most people think of arthritis, they often picture bones wearing down or deteriorating within the joints—where bones should normally glide past one another smoothly and painlessly. While that image isn't entirely wrong, it’s not quite accurate either. The real issue with arthritis isn’t the bones themselves breaking down—it’s the loss or damage of cartilage, the specialized tissue that lines the ends of bones within the joint.
What Is Cartilage?
Cartilage is a dense, smooth, and semi-transparent tissue that acts as a protective lining at the ends of bones. It’s what allows bones to glide over each other with minimal friction inside joints. Unlike bone—which is solid, rough, and made largely of calcium to provide structure and support—cartilage is designed for movement, not load-bearing.
How Arthritis Really Works
By definition, arthritis is the breakdown or loss of cartilage at the ends of bones. Without that protective cushion, bones begin to rub directly against each other—causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This degeneration can happen due to:
A helpful analogy: think of cartilage like the tread on a tire. As the tread wears down, the tire loses its effectiveness and must eventually be replaced. Similarly, as cartilage wears away, the joint can no longer function smoothly.
But Here’s the Difference
Unlike a worn tire, cartilage is a living tissue—which means it has some ability to repair and regenerate under the right conditions. That’s the key difference and the central point: arthritis is not a bone problem—it’s a cartilage problem.
So, if cartilage has the ability to heal, why does it often fail to do so? And why do millions continue to suffer from arthritis?
The Big Question—and a Natural Answer
That question lies at the heart of a growing shift in modern joint care: how to stimulate cartilage to heal naturally—without surgery.
To learn more about this exciting area of regenerative medicine, read our related blog:
How PRP Therapy Works for Arthritis: A Natural Solution for Joint Pain
Written by: Jeffrey B. Brown, M.D.
Founder, Joint Pain Solution Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Visit us at: www.jointpainsolutioncenter.com
Email: contact@jointpainsolutioncenter.com
Phone: 954-363-9080
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