Introduction to joint care
Injuries
The Root of the Problem
Joint problems have many different names; sprains, impingements, tendinitis, the list goes on. The majority of injuries can be traced back to a prolonged period of tissue breaking down faster than the body has been able to repair it. This causes weakness, pain and leads to injury.
Similarities
Different Functions, Same Cofactors
Cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bursa are some of many joint tissues. Each of these has a very specific role to play in the effective movement of the human body. All these tissues are constructed from the same building blocks, the ratios just differ slightly.
A good builder can create a number of different structures using the same raw materials. Your body works in a similar way to create joint and connective tissue using only a few key building blocks.
Healthy joints are compromised of water, collagen, ECM and cells. Glucosamine and Chondroitin interact with all of these cofactors.
Structure
Improving the quality and quantity of joint tissue
The availability of glucosamine and chondroitin is thought to affect the all major joint tissues. Laboratory studies indicate that not having enough glucosamine and chondroitin available is often a limiting factor in building healthy new joint tissue in the required quantities.
Interactions – The Role of Tissues in Joint Health
ECM
Extra cellular matrix within cartilage, ligaments and tendons provides structural strength and compressive resistance. Chondroitin Sulfate is a structural part of proteoglycans, that draws in water.
Cells
Chondrocytes and Synoviocytes are master cells responsible for the creation of new joint tissue and break down of existing tissue. The amount of glucosamine may affect the speed at which new joint tissues (collagen and synovial fluid) are created and along with chondroitin sulfate may slow the speed at which existing tissues are broken down.
Hyaluronic Acid
Is a structural part of the ECM of joint tissues, synovial fluid and also many other cells throughout the body including the eyes. Glucosamine is a building block for hyaluronic acid and it’s availability may speed up HA creation.
Synovial Fluid
Transfers nutrients to cartilage, improving the health joint tissues and improving sliding surfaces around the joint. Glucosamine and chondroitin are vital to healthy synovial fluid.
Oral Supplementation
Chondroitin Sulfate A4, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium, Glucosamine Sulfate Sodium, N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine
Providing the body with high quality and readily usable forms of glucosamine and chondroitin, each with unique properties, increases the availability of these naturally occurring building blocks in joint tissues.
