[cwiert]

My father has Poly-chondritis. Very rare disease that also deals with cartilage.
Basically, his immune system thinks that cartilage in his body is a foreign substance and tries to remove it. This results in knee pain and swelling, ear pain and swelling and a whole slew of other things. Not fun. Basically there's no cure and he's on a concoction of steroids to help alleviate the flare-ups. Not fun.
Best of luck with your condition.