Joint cartilage is a tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones where joints are located. It helps cushion the bones during movement, and because it is smooth and slippery, it allows for motion with minimal friction. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear and tear condition that destroys joint cartilage. Sometimes as the result of trauma, repetitive movement, or for no apparent reason, the cartilage wears down, exposing bone ends.

The implants in your knee are made out of metal and plastic. The components will separate slightly with gravity. When you swing your knee to walk, for example, a clicking sound may be heard as the pieces come into contact. It does not mean the components are loose or broken and it should not cause any pain. See similar questions...

Most knee braces can provide athletes with both functional and lateral support, in addition to frontal impact protection. With the use of hyperextension locking hinges knee braces can assist in decreasing the chances of ACL injuries. See "why do I need a knee brace" See similar questions...

In knee replacement surgery, the parts of the bones that rub together are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. Using special, precision instruments, your surgeon will remove the damaged surfaces of the bones and fit replacement surfaces into place. See similar questions...

It is a metal and plastic covering for raw, arthritic bone ends. It replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Knee replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily with less discomfort. For those that have become bow-legged or knock-kneed over the years, it can also straighten your legs to a more natural position. See similar questions...

Generally the cracks and pops that occur with bending down into a squat are normal. The noises that occur going up stairs are usually normal also. However, if the cracks are painful, a sports physician should assess the joint. See similar questions...

In a normal, healthy knee there is a fluid that acts as both a cushion and lubricant. In a knee with osteoarthritis, however, this fluid has lost some of these features. This can be one of the reasons you feel pain in your knee. See similar questions...

Most of the time the burning sensation is cause by the drilling of your bones. When the surgeon performs ACL reconstruction, he drills a hole through your tibia and femur bones. That results in the "burning" sensation. Ice should help control this, but it will last for a while. The drilling will also cause bruising in your leg. The bruising is normal and will vary from person to person. My bruising looked absolutely terrible. See similar questions...

the layer of cartilage wears away, bone begins to rub against bone, which causes the discomfort and stiffness commonly associated with arthritis. See similar questions...

and new components are implanted. The technical aspects of the surgery are more complex than the original total knee replacement. However, the preparation for surgery and hospital experience tend to be very similar to the primary knee replacement. See similar questions...

Zanfel works safely into the dermal layer of your skin, binds to the urushiol oil, and, when rinsed off, takes the oil with it down the drain. See similar questions...