You mean torsion and compression at the same time? Because compression on its own doesn't ruin joints afaik (it was long claimed it did).
Source: My Orthodontist after looking at my right knee (nodules) and left one (ligaments and torsion / compression at the same time)
Edit: Orthopedist, not dentist! What was I thinking!
that's a meniscus, and coats the articulating surfaces (called condyles). synovial fluid in the joint capsule acts as a lubricant for the menisci.
a nodule is a lump.