The different parts of the skeleton are connected either
by attachments such as membranes or by joints. The parts of
the bones of a synovial joint are always enclosed in a joint
capsule and they are always covered with articular cartilage.
The outer layer of the capsule is formed by collagen fibres
which are highly resistant to force. The powerful reinforcements
of the capsule wall are called ligaments. In the inner layer
of the capsule there are cells that produce a fluid containing
albumin (synovial fluid). This fluid acts as a lubricant and
provides the cartilage cells with nutrients.
What happens to our joints when we exercise?
The cartilage is able to absorb certain substances from the
the synovial fluid and swell temporarily. If you do a period
of warming up before exercise, and then measure the size of
the articular cartilage, you would find that it had thickened.
This thickening lasts for about 10-30 minutes after the activity
has ceased. Prolonged training causes the cartilage to thicken
by the formation of additional cartilage cells. Severe or
uneven stress can wear the cartilage down, resulting in seriously
restricted movement at the joint.
The bones that make up a joint generally fit together well.
Usually one of the bones is convex (the head) and the other
is concave (the socket or depression). If however, the bones
do not fit together well, the irregularities are evened out
by extra layers of fibro cartilage. These inclusions are called
menisci if they only partly subdivide a joint cavity. If the
joint is completely partitioned into 2 separate parts, the
layer of fibro cartilage is called a disc. In sports injuries,
reference to menisci usually refer to those of the knee, although
you can also find menisci between other bones of the body
e.g. between the collar bone and the shoulder blade.
How can I help a joint injury?
Sports and joint injuries can be helped by a treatment regime
which aims to relieve the symptoms of pain and discomfort,
prevent further degradation and restore as much joint function
as possible.The current focus of interest are substances capable
of slowing the process of cartilage degradation and promotion
of cartilage matrix synthesis.
These compounds have been termed “chondoprotective
agents” and sulphated glycosaminoglycans such as Chondroitin
Sulphate are found in the matrix of cartilage and have been
shown to achieve some of the above objectives.
Cortaflex contains super oxide dismutase in addition to monosaccharide
precursors of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid which are
found in the synovial fluid, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
There is strong evidence that these are extremely valuable
in the management of arthritis and joint mobility and may
also be of benefit in the repair phase of athletic and sports
injuries to muscuolskeletal soft tissues such as tendons,
ligaments and cartilage.
Cortaflex is available as an easily swallowed capsule and also with added hyaluronic acid.
Great value.
Remember none of the information is intended to replace the advice of your Doctor or other healthcare practitioner. Please make sure you ask their advice before you follow any information or take any of the products on this site.
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