A joint is the connection between two bones. Their joints and surrounding structures allow the elbows and knees to bend, the hips to move, the back and head to bend, and the fingers to move.
Did you know that the human body has more than 200 bones and more than 200 joints that connect these bones? Few of us are aware of how all these components work together to allow us to walk, run, jump, climb, dance and swim.
Cartilage cushions the joints and helps them move easily and smoothly. It contains cells that continuously renew the substances that make it up, chondrocytes. A membrane called the synovium produces a thick fluid that helps maintain cartilage health.
The synovium can become inflamed and thicken as cartilage wear occurs. This can lead to inflammation, which causes excess fluid in the joint, resulting in swelling and possibly the development of osteoarthritis.
As the cartilage deteriorates further, the adjacent bones do not have enough lubrication from the synovial fluid and cushioning from the cartilage. When the bone surfaces come into direct contact with each other, pain and inflammation result in the surrounding tissues, and over time they can develop bony spurs.
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The most common joint ailments
Arthritis is without a doubt the most common joint disease, but there are many more. Joint diseases can be short-lived or extremely chronic, painful, agonizing or just painful and uncomfortable; they can be limited to a single joint or they can affect many parts of the body. Non-inflammatory joint pain is called arthralgia, while inflammatory pain is classified as arthritis.
Osteoarthritis – occurs when the cartilage between two joints wears out, so that the bones rub against each other, resulting in swelling and stiffness. Symptoms usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has some symptoms up to the age of 70. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, or slight stiffness.
Gout – It is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone, caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly in the thumb. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often in the joint at the base of the thumb.
Rheumatoid arthritis – It is a long-term autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can occur at any age, but is more common in middle age. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, certain factors seem to play a role in increasing the risk of developing or triggering it: sex (women are more prone to developing arthritis), genes (history of a family member with this condition), smoking, obesity.
Top natural remedies for joint health
Curcuma longa
- Research has shown that this extract is very effective in combating rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. With the help of curcumin, the treatment is more effective and without side effects, which recommends supplements based on Curcuma longa extract as a healthy and effective alternative to synthetic antirheumatic drugs.
Incense tree
- Also called Boswellia, it is a tree found in India, North Africa, but also in the Middle East. Boswellia extract is beneficial for cartilage and joints, restoring their mobility and reducing painful sensitivity. The chemicals in this extract called boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies have shown that Boswellia extract improves pain symptoms in people with osteoarthritis.
Devil’s Claw
- Devil’s Claw Extract is known for its powerful action of reducing pain in the bones and joints through a specific response to mobilizing the body’s natural resources. This extract contains a chemical called harpogoside which has anti-inflammatory effects.
Shark cartilage
Shark cartilage, due to its composition (cells, water, matrix), is one of the most effective adjuvants for reducing joint pain and restoring mobility.