Cartilage is smooth, flexible connective tissue that covers the ends of bones inside joints, absorbing shock and allowing bones to glide against each other without friction.
What cartilage does and why losing it matters
Cartilage lines the surfaces of your joints — knees, hips, shoulders, and others — acting as a cushion that distributes load and prevents bone-on-bone contact during movement. It has no blood supply of its own, which means it heals slowly and relies on movement and joint fluid to stay nourished.
When cartilage wears down unevenly from overuse, injury, or years of accumulated load, the joint loses its smooth gliding surface. You might notice aching after activity, stiffness after sitting, or a deep, grinding sensation with certain movements. These are signs that the joint is under stress it can no longer absorb as efficiently as it once did.
How Sword Health can help
While cartilage loss can't be fully reversed, how you load and move a joint makes a significant difference in how it feels and functions. A physical therapist can help you build the muscle support around the joint, improve your movement mechanics, and reduce the pain that comes with cartilage changes — all from home through Sword.
About the author
Carolina Moreira
Medical Director of Clinical Development at Sword Health
