Introduction
Arthritis is the catch-all name given to the condition where there is any alteration to the normal, smooth, pristine cartilage that covers our joint surfaces. When arthritis exists in a joint, several things happen to that joint. One aspect of what happens is the changes that occur to the cartilage surfaces.
Abnormal Wear
Think of joint cartilage as if it were tread on a tire. Now, we know that tire tread has a certain thickness to it and as the mileage piles up, the tread wears thinner and thinner. The same can be said for the cartilage that covers joint surfaces, and especially the weight-bearing ones.
As time, activity and age in general passes, our joints inevitably wear down. The cartilage "tread" thins out with the millions of cycles of bending and walking activities we inflict on it every year.
Of note, too, is that the heavier we are, the faster the joint cartilage wears down.
Cartilage Dries Out
The cartilage that covers our joints, also known as articular cartilage, is a highly specialized cartilage--soft and plush yet durable. It is composed of almost 60 percent water. The chronic inflammation that exists with arthritis can cause the cartilage to lose its ability to absorb and retain water. As this scenario progresses, the cartilage becomes more brittle and susceptible to cracking and flaking.
Loss of Cartilage Cells
The highly specialized articular cartilage has a big drawback--it cannot reproduce itself. Once the cartilage cells are damaged, there is no ability to regenerate the same cells. Consequently, as loss of cartilage in the joint increases, more and more underlying bone becomes visible and subject to pressures from bearing weight, which can be very painful.
