Normal Healthy Joints

A joint is the connection between two or more moving bones. Most joints are designed to facilitate smooth movement between bones and absorb shock from physical movements. They provide flexibility, support, stability and protection for normal and painless movement.

CONNECTIVE TISSUES IN A JOINT

The joint is made up of :

Cartilage A firm and slippery tissue that cushions bones at joints to allow smooth gliding between bones.

Joint Capsule A tough membrane sac that holds all the bones and other joint parts together.

Synovium A thin membrane sac that surrounds the entire joint.

Synovial Fluid A lubricating fluid which bathes the movable joint between bones.

Ligaments, Tendons and Muscles Tissues that keep the bones stable and allow the joint to bend and move.

Joints with Osteoarthritis

Both the bone and cartilage are constantly regenerating, with old cartilage or bone wearing away and being replaced with new, healthy material. When the rate of wear or removal exceeds rate of replacement, problems leading to osteoarthritis may occur.

JOINT PAIN

Joint pain is a concern for many people. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage structure begins to change as you age. The cartilage loses its elasticity and is more easily damaged by injury or excessive use . With time, the cartilage becomes rough, thins and wears away. The damaged cartilage can no longer hold in critical lubricating fluid in the joints or absorb impact, thus the joint feels stiff, sore and can be excruciatingly painful.

Cartilage: Key to Healthy Joints

Cartilage consists of 65% to 80 % water. The rest is made up of :

Collagen A fibrous protein and the building block of skin, tendon, bone and connective tissues.

Proteoglycans Large molecules that can bond with water to ensure cartilage fluidity.

Chondrocytes Cells that are critical to help cartilage stay healthy and grow.