Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue found throughout the body. Cartilage serves two main functions:
• it acts as a shock absorber
• it acts as a mould
The tough, flexible cartilage tissue is ideal for creating specially shaped and curved body parts that would otherwise have no support from the bones. For example, most of the nose and the outside of the ears are made up of cartilage tissue.
Unlike other types of tissue, cartilage does not have its own blood supply. Blood cells help to repair damaged tissue, therefore damaged cartilage does not heal as quickly as damaged skin or muscles.
There are three types of cartilage. They are:
• elastic cartilage
• fibrocartilage
• hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage is the most springy and supple type of cartilage. This type of cartilage makes up the outside of the ears, some of the nose, and the epiglottis (the flap of tissue at the back of the throat, which prevents food going down into your airways).
Fibrocartilage
Fibrocartilage is the toughest type of cartilage and can withstand a great deal of weight. It is found between the discs (vertebrae) of the spine and between the bones of the hips and pelvis.
Hyaline cartilage
Hyaline cartilage, also known as articular cartilage, is both springy and tough. It is found between the ribs, around the windpipe (trachea) and between the joints.
Types of cartilage damage
All three types of cartilage can be damaged. For example, a blow to your ear can damage the elastic cartilage, making your ear look deformed. This condition is often seen in rugby players and is known as ‘cauliflower ear’.
The fibrocartilage between the discs in your back can also become damaged, resulting in a slipped disc. One of the most common and potentially serious types of cartilage damage is damage to the articular cartilage between a joint (usually the knee joint). The damage can result in pain, swelling and some loss of mobility.
There are three main ways that the articular cartilage can be damaged:
• as a result of a sudden accidental injury to the cartilage – for example, falling badly and landing on your knees
• where a small section of cartilage and a piece of bone attached to it comes away from a joint – this is known as osteochondritis dissecans
• long-term damage that occurs due to a process of ‘wear and tear’ – this type of long-term cartilage damage to the joints is known as osteoarthritis.
Take this remedy before bed each night to support cartilage healing and repair during sleep.
Ingredients: Ethanol base, Argentum Metallicum 560C, Calcarea Fluorica 30C, Cimicifuga 500C, Crotalus Horridus 570C, Natrum Muriaticum 110C, Oleander 550C, Plumbum Metallicum 590C, Ruta Graveolens 550C, Silica 580C, GT Ampelopis Weitchii 490C, TS Calc Phos 100C, Sarcode Cartilage 560C.
Image: 50ml dropper