Cartilage acts like a natural shock absorber, preventing both bone on bone contact and providing a smooth, pain-free surface for the bones to glide against. Because cartilage does not have a blood supply to help repair damage, it may not heal quickly or at all. One of the most common and serious types of damage is to the articular cartilage that is between joints.
Symptoms of this articular cartilage damage include swelling, joint pain, stiffness, decreased range of movement and joints that lock or catch.
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