The older a person is, the less elastic the cartilage becomes. As a result, the risk of injury to the joints increases as cartilage cushions them naturally. There are cases when it disappears completely – mainly in the elderly. Compared to bones, cartilage is much less resistant to abrasion and stretching. Injuries to this part of the body are usually caused by micro-injuries that add up over a longer period of time.
They are equally common in the elderly and in athletes who expose their joints to strong and regular wear. There are also other reasons that contribute to cartilage wear:
- Doing sports without warming up,
- Obesity,
- Untreated joint injury>>joints,
- monotonous body position,
- Damage to ligaments and tendons,
- Foreign body in the joint,
- Failed intra-articular injections,
- Exploratory arthroscopy performed by the wrong, inexperienced person,
- metabolic diseases,
- sterile bone necrosis,
- neuropathy,
- Viral and genetic diseases.
How to regenerate articular cartilage?
Recently, there have been opportunities to regenerate cartilage using non-surgical methods. These methods are especially helpful for athletes and people with age-related degeneration. Fortunately, there are many agents that can accelerate cartilage regeneration, the effect of which has been confirmed by numerous studies. Beneficial effects will be given primarily by preparations that contain:
- Hyaluronic acid – has anti-inflammatory properties, absorbs vibrations and mechanical loads, helps maintain the viscosity of the synovial fluid and the smooth surface of the cartilage.
- squeakydine – avocado and soy extracts that stimulate joint cartilage.
- Glucosamine sulfate – a natural component of synovial fluid. It is found in large amounts in seafood such as crayfish, shrimps and crabs. This substance should be used for a long time. It retains water in connective tissues, thanks to which it gives them flexibility and elasticity.
- Chodroitin – it is used in the case of degenerative joint diseases. It is a natural component of cartilage. It has been proven that it has analgesic properties and can stop inflammatory processes in the joints.
In addition, it is recommended to take medicines containing shark cartilage extract, ginger, vitamin B3, antioxidants, i.e. beta-carotene and vitamin C.