How to restore cartilage tissue of the spine. How to restore cartilage tissue of the joints with folk remedies

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for natural cartilage repair.
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It's amazing: our cartilage is built in such a way that it can be damaged even with a load of 1 kilogram applied in the wrong place. Can you imagine? Only 1 kg ... Usually this does not happen, because the joints are enclosed in strong corsets of ligaments that hold the bones in the right positions. But! After all, we, people, always cannot sit still, we need to become stronger, bigger, we need to take on a barbell weighing one and a half to two centners, we need to be able to do various acrobatic somersaults or just jump from a height of 5-6 meters. And our cartilage obediently endures such bullying as long as… as long as they “have enough strength for it”…

Although, as a rule, everything is not so tragic. When cartilage is used for its intended purpose, their “warranty period” can be hundreds of years. How can this be achieved?

Understanding the anatomy of cartilaginous tissue, you are amazed at the genius of nature. Evolution has been looking for suitable materials for a long time, trying various options for connecting moving parts of the body. As a result, we got that simple, but still unique creation, which allows us to move painlessly ourselves and even move (carry) objects weighing several centners.

Let's dwell on the structure of cartilage in more detail ...

The structure of cartilage

In the human body, cartilage performs various functions, of which we are only interested in one - articulated. This, of course, is a colloquial name, but it very accurately reflects the functional features of such cartilages.

Imagine joining two bones (or more than two). For example, the knee joint. The first thing that cartilage should take care of is to reduce friction at the points of contact between the bones. After all, our knees bend and unbend around the clock many thousands of times. We can go jogging early in the morning, we can climb stairs, or even just swing our legs while sitting in a chair. In any of these cases, it is very important for us that the friction is reduced to almost zero. And cartilage copes with this task by all five points. The role of lubrication is synovial fluid . It covers the entire inner surface of the joint. What will happen to a car that has not been filled with oil? From friction, even durable metal will heat up, crack, the contacting surfaces will destroy each other at a very fast pace. What can we say about elastic cartilage, which will be deprived of synovial lubrication.

Also, this liquid has another important function. Food. Indeed, in the articular cartilage, there are either no or almost no capillaries. Blood does not flow there, and therefore does not bring nutrients. No nourishment, no growth, no restoration, no defense against destruction. In order to somehow maintain its existence, cartilage tissue is forced to take everything it needs directly from the synovial fluid. It would seem, why did nature have to complicate everything so much? Why not make the cartilage the usual process of nutrition through the blood vessels that permeate every centimeter of our body? The question is both logical and stupid. Logical because it really would be easier. And stupid - because the cartilaginous tissue in the joints works in impossible conditions of constant critical deformation. It is constantly flattened and stretched, twisted and subjected to overloads (sometimes several centners). Where can nature get the same universal material for capillaries? So far, there is no answer to this question, so cartilage has to be content with those trace elements that enter the synovial fluid.

For a long time, it seemed strange to scientists that in immobilized joints (gypsum or something like that), the mass of cartilage tissue is rapidly decreasing. The answer turned out to be surprisingly simple and banal. Without movement, the synovial fluid does not mix, which means that nutrients cannot move from the bloodstream to the articular surfaces.

How do joints manage to be both strong and flexible at the same time?

Here nature has made a truly amazing invention. Collagen ! It makes up almost half of the intercellular space in articular cartilage and is one of the main proteins for the connective tissues of any living organism. Collagen consists of very large molecules intertwined in triple (!) Helices. This structure provides the highest resistance to any kind of deformation, whether it be stretching, twisting or tearing. Moreover, the shape changes are completely reversible!

In addition to "high-tech" collagen, the body also uses simpler compounds to maintain the shape of cartilage. For example, the usual water . It is found in large quantities in the intercellular space of cartilage. Water can neither be compressed nor stretched, that's how it works. This provides the cartilage tissue with sufficient rigidity and elasticity. At the same time, the water in the cartilage can be freely distributed over the entire area and thus absorb most of the load. What's more, cartilage is free to expel water from itself into the synovial fluid when needed! The result is a universal mechanism of interaction with weight, capable of adapting to almost any conditions.

What about recovery? (for us, this is the most important thing ...)

In cartilage tissue, cells are involved in the restoration and production of all the necessary compounds. chondrocytes (basic cells in cartilage). Their metabolic rate justifies the best expectations, but ... But there are very few of them. For example, in articular cartilage, the number of chondrocytes barely reaches 2-3 percent of the total mass. Accordingly, recovery is significantly reduced, in proportion to the number of cells.

So, let's summarize a little. For the fastest recovery work inside the joint, it is necessary to maintain a high level (including the level of activity) of chondrocytes - the main cartilage cells. To do this, you need to provide them with good nutrition, which is carried out through the synovial fluid. And even if the intake of nutrients in this fluid is in accordance with the norms, it will still not reach the goal if the joint is immobile. Thus, recovery, although indirectly, depends very much on your physical activity.

And now the most important thing...

Cartilage tissue is constantly exposed to stress from different angles, so it simply cannot always remain unscathed. It will surely collapse. The task of a person, an athlete (and even more so, a bodybuilder) is to restore cartilage faster than they will be destroyed. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this, because we do the same with muscles: we restore them more actively than we destroy them, and therefore we always remain healthy and vigorous. And what allows us to heal large-scale damage to muscle fibers so quickly after an intense workout? Correctly, hormones ! The concentration of some natural anabolics in our body can increase almost a hundred times under load. It is they who accelerate all metabolic processes. As a result, “torn” fibers are patched, bone tissue, tendons and all other parts of the musculoskeletal system are strengthened. It is also possible to “repair” our cartilage, with the only difference being that in order to restore them, you need to increase the level of only one anabolic component. His name is insulin-like growth factor (IGF) . According to science, nothing but this factor can cause the division of chondrocytes.

General theory

So, now we know why cartilage is so versatile on the one hand and so prone to damage on the other. We know that restoration of cartilage tissue requires physical activity in the damaged joint and a high level of insulin-like growth factor in the body. It remains only to combine all this information together.

FMI: what, how and why?

Insulin-like growth factor is a kind of hormone that enhances the action of growth hormone (GH) on the cells of the body by almost a thousand times (this is its main task). Actually, the growth hormone itself is a stimulus for the production of IGF. A couple of decades ago, it was believed that IGF was secreted locally, that is, exactly in the place where it is needed by the body. In part, this guess was confirmed, but for the most part, IGF is produced by the liver during the decomposition of growth hormone in it.

Recently, there are a lot of studies and training programs, when testing which the main indicator is an increase in the amount of IGF in the body. Some techniques affect the growth factor to a greater extent, some to a lesser extent. But in any case, the only sure way to increase its secretion is to stimulate the production of GH.

Ways to Increase Growth Hormone Levels (Nutrition)

Increasing the amount of GH produced by the body is not so difficult. The first thing to do is to reconsider your diet towards natural products. Moreover, the concept of "natural" does not mean at all that you need to eat grass like a koala. It would just be nice to immediately exclude all sorts of danars, hot dogs and other “dishes” of fast foods from your menu. It is also necessary to avoid carbonated waters, very popular in the warm season. They lower the level of acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a significant decrease in overall metabolism and, as a result, a decrease in the secretion of major anabolic hormones, including growth hormone. The most important thing in any business is not do it well", a " don't make it bad". So it is with hormones. They themselves know in what quantities to be produced, and our task is not to interfere with them in this with our inhuman way of life and bad habits.

We already know how not to prevent an increase in the concentration of hormones, but how to spur it (concentration)? First, eat more often. Once 5-7 per day. Portions can be medium or small - it does not matter. The main thing is that nutrients are regularly supplied to the body. Such a meal schedule helps to accelerate all anabolic reactions, including the active production of GH.

Growth hormone, like most other hormones, has antagonists, that is, compounds that perform different functions and absolutely cannot exist together with each other. For example, insulin. This is fact number one. And fact number two is that GH is mostly produced during sleep (about 80% of all secretion). Tempting, right? But what if this huge release of GH is interfered with by insulin? There is an exit. You just need to cross out absolutely all carbohydrates from the very last meal and add protein there. The presence of a large portion of protein in itself stimulates the release of growth hormone into the blood, and the absence of carbohydrates means zero insulin levels. There is a double benefit. Even triple, because all this happens at night, during sleep, when the body's recovery is most balanced and fast.

Ways to Increase Growth Hormone Levels (Workouts)

The amount of anabolics in the blood depends on the intensity of the training. The more intensive, the better you will grow and recover. The same applies to growth hormone. But! If the body overtrains or does not have enough energy until the end of the session, then the concentration of catabolic hormones will increase, which will completely spoil all the good that training could bring you. Therefore, we will monitor these two aspects (overtraining and energy supply) especially carefully.

1. Never train to exhaustion. Of course, all sports sources talk about the need for a fanatical attitude to classes, but fanaticism does not in the least interfere with common sense. After a workout, the body may be exhausted, but the general mental state should still remain alert.
2. If you train thoughtfully enough, then you have probably already determined for yourself the optimal frequency of classes, the necessary rest time and other parameters. Try not to neglect your own experience, because only you can determine how many days the recovery lasts and how many muscle groups can be worked out in one session. For some, five complex workouts in a row will not be enough, while the other will stretch the cycle for 8 days, and in each of them will work out only one muscle. For someone, 3 days is enough to restore a separate muscle, and some will take up the same muscle only after a week. Your body has individual parameters, which can only be determined experimentally.
3. Workouts don't have to be long. Twenty years ago it was "cool" to be in the gym for 2-3 hours at a time. This is pure nonsense, because after 30-40 minutes of exercise, the likelihood of a jump in catabolic hormones begins to increase exponentially. Thus, the anabolic potential is inhibited and there can be no talk of any jump in GH and IGF. Even if you have very good genetics, then the duration of the workout can be stretched for an hour and a half, but no more. And those who claim that they cannot work out some muscle normally during this time are just loafers who talk much more than they train.
4. If the training is aimed specifically at increasing the level of growth hormone, then before it, as a temporary fuel, it is required to take not carbohydrates, but unsaturated fats. They are digested fairly quickly and, when broken down, provide almost twice as much energy as the same amount of carbohydrates. Of course, without carbohydrates, there will be no muscle-growing insulin, but nothing will prevent the production of more GH, which helps to increase the insulin-like growth factor we need. As you can see, here you have to choose: either accelerated growth of muscle mass, or restoration of cartilage.
5. The intensity of the workout is inversely proportional to the rest time between sets. The less rest, the more intense the activity. It is recommended to take a break from 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, breathing is restored, and the muscles have time to accumulate energy for the next effort.
6. THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE. After intense training, the concentration of GH in the blood rises 4-5 times. Be sure to also do aerobic exercise after strength training. Even if there is no strength left, still run for 10-15 minutes along the track, pedal the exercise bike, or even frantically beat the air with your fists. This will triple the secretion of growth hormone! That is, we multiply the usual amount of GH by 5 after a power load, and then by another 3 after an aerobic one. How much does it get?
7. To keep the FMI high, you need to give it a job! It has long been proven that the highest concentration of hormones is always found exactly in those places where they are most needed. The more the body needs IGF, the more actively this hormone will be produced by tissues. Conclusion: go in for sports more actively so that anabolics always have a job.

More about the training

In the most common cases, cartilage is damaged in only one of the joints. This means that the rest of the body is fully functional, therefore, there is no need to quit training. In addition, we already know about the need to provide the "sick" joint with hormones, which are produced in large doses under intense physical exertion.

The main thing is not to forget to think with your head, because training some muscles can indirectly load sore joints. Let's explore this with examples.

Let's say you have an injured knee. In this case, it is quite possible to train all the muscles of the upper body, including the common extensor of the back (ORS). You should be more careful about working out the press (on the “Roman chair” the knees can experience a tensile load, and when lifting straight legs, the quadriceps are strongly reduced, compressing the knee cartilage) and deltas (squeezing a lot of weight while standing will not benefit the knees). And, of course, you need to completely eliminate heavy shrugs while standing. That is, you can download almost everything, but just some exercises will have to find an alternative.

As for the split, here you can divide all the working muscles into 2-3 days of training.

With injuries to the joints of the upper extremities, the situation is more complicated. Here, as a rule, you have to delete from the training program all exercises for the arms, chest and back, as well as all movements where you need to hold the weight with your hands. In fact, only the legs, the abs and the general extensor of the back remain. But everyone knows that the best and most intense leg exercise is squats. The question is, can you hold the barbell on your shoulders with your injured hand? If yes, then you are lucky. And deadlift is definitely excluded! In most cases, leg training has to be limited to leg presses at various angles, leg extensions and leg curls in simulators. Plus calves, abs, and a general extensor of the back… Not that much, but you still need to try to squeeze the maximum benefit out of it.

Whatever joint is damaged, there will always be a few dozen high-intensity exercises that do not affect it. You can easily find them yourself or ask for advice from a specialist.

Also, any training should include a mandatory warm-up of the damaged joint (if it is not fixed with plaster or something else). Without this, the synovial fluid will not mix and will not be able to transfer nutrients to the surface of the cartilage, which means that all training efforts will lead to nothing.

Simple articular gymnastics is quite enough, that is, flexion-extension and rotational movements in the joint. This should be done until a persistent feeling of warmth around the damaged area, that is, 2-5 minutes. And it is desirable not only during training, but also before and after it, and several more times during the day.

Medications

The most famous drugs for the restoration of cartilage tissue are glucosamine and chondroitin .

Glucosamine

Already from the name it is clear that glucosamine consists of glucose and an amine. These molecules are produced by our body and are mainly responsible for the elasticity of cartilage tissue. With age, or as a result of certain injuries, the production of glucosamine decreases significantly. From this, the cartilage becomes rough, brittle, and the amount of synovial fluid decreases. Simply put, there is an accelerated aging process in the joint.

Since glucosamine is a simple compound, the body almost does not see the difference between its own and foreign molecules, which means that it uses them all equally effectively. Glucosamine stimulates the production of proteoglycans chondrocytes (responsible for the binding of water, its removal from the cartilage into the synovial fluid and its return, are necessary for the general regeneration of cartilage tissue). Other anabolic reactions are also significantly accelerated and catabolic reactions are greatly slowed down.

A persistent positive effect usually occurs after 2-3 weeks of use and continues for almost two months after discontinuation of the drug. The average dosage is 300-500 mg 3 times a day. For prevention - 1-2 times a day. With severe damage, excess weight, and in some cases, the dosage can be significantly increased.

Approximately 10% of patients experienced signs of mild indigestion when taking glucosamine on an empty stomach (according to the instructions - 20 minutes before meals). These symptoms are not observed if the drug is taken with food.

Available in tablets, capsules, powders or for intramuscular injection. The form of administration does not matter much, since glucosamine is always absorbed quickly and without residue. The approximate cost of glucosamine sulfate is about $20 for 60 capsules. The cost of other forms of the drug is not much different from that indicated. The package is designed for 3-4 weeks of treatment or 1.5-2 months of prevention (depending on the person's weight).

Chondroitin

Chondroitin, like glucosamine, is produced in our body. With age, its concentration decreases, which leads to the destruction of cartilage due to the slowdown in its regenerative processes.

In general, chondroitin is used as chondroprotective means (by this clumsy word it is simply meant "cartilage protection"). It acts as an anabolic catalyst and a catabolic inhibitor. It has a pronounced analgesic effect, that is, it relieves pain in the joints during movement and at rest.

A positive effect occurs after 10-14 days of application. Dosage - about 1000 mg per day, divided into 2-4 doses. No confirmed side effects have been identified.

The cost of a pack of 60 capsules is just under $20. The dosage varies according to the person's weight and can be from 1 to 4 capsules per day during treatment. With prevention - twice as much. One package, on average, is enough for a month of admission.

In addition to the most famous drugs, more ordinary things also have unique analgesic and restorative properties.

Antioxidants!

Antioxidants are generally a panacea for all diseases, including aging. When it comes to cartilage damage specifically, antioxidants greatly reduce pain, speed up healing, enhance the benefits of other drugs, and do a lot of other good things. And for all this happiness, you just need to take vitamins A, C, E.

Description of the action of antioxidants is far beyond the scope of this article. In short, it can only be emphasized that one of the causes of cell aging and destruction is the “pulling out” of oxygen atoms from them by free radicals, which do not have enough of these atoms. Antioxidants block all this negativity, so every cell of the body stays young longer.

In Russia, Vetoron is considered the best source of vitamins A, C, E. 8-12 drops 1-2 times a day - and all fears for the destructive activity of free radicals fade into the background. The cost is $2-3.

Can I have some more additionally take vitamin C (ascorbin) at a dosage of 50 to 300 mg per day. It has no side effects, but it has the strongest (among vitamins) positive effect on damaged joints. Continuous reception is possible throughout the year.

Cartilage damage: what to do?

If for some reason your cartilage is in a non-working state, then the first thing to do is to write down a few tips on a piece of paper that are extremely important for speedy healing.

Contact a doctor!

At the first sign of cartilage damage, you should immediately consult a doctor. They will do all the necessary research, determine the extent of damage and prescribe treatment.

Medicines.

Glucosamine and chondroitin will most likely already be prescribed to you by your doctor. If not, then it makes sense to clarify why they are not mentioned in the recipe. And be sure to take antioxidants in supplement form, as well as the foods that contain them (even tea has them).

In no case do not stop training other parts of the body!

Natural recovery is possible only with a significant increase in the level of IGF and other anabolic hormones in the blood. The surest way to achieve this is regular high intensity workout.

Mandatory activity in the damaged area!

Even if the body will have enough nutrients, it is not a fact that they can be delivered to the cartilage. The synovial fluid must actively mix and carry everything needed from the bloodstream to the cartilage surface. In addition, increased blood flow means faster delivery of the necessary components to the joint.

Nutritional changes.

Nutrition should provide the body with all the necessary substances and contribute to the increased production of anabolic hormones, such as a growth hormone required for production FMI .

Prevention!

Try not to bring cartilage to a critical state. Don't get so carried away with powerlifting that you then have to be treated. Strength cycles in training should alternate with pumping cycles and conventional mass-gaining complexes.

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The increased risk of mechanical damage, degenerative joint damage is largely due to serious discrepancies between the biological nature of cartilage, joints, ligaments and the functional loads of a modern person. It cannot recover itself without special treatment, and if the patient suffers from full-layer defects of the articular surface, the pathological process will end with the formation of a fibrous formation that disrupts the normal operation of the bone connection. To restore functionality, it is necessary to completely regenerate the cartilage tissue.

In what cases may it be necessary to restore the cartilage tissue of the joints

Some diseases have a detrimental effect on the skeletal system and, in particular, on joints and cartilage. These are, for example, arthrosis, arthritis, dysplasia, intervertebral hernia. Also, inflammatory processes, injuries, age-related decline in the function of chondrocytes (these are the basic cells of cartilage tissue) and collagen synthesis cause a negative impact.

Smooth and easy movements of the joint are provided by synovial fluid, which fills its cavity and prevents friction of the surfaces. It nourishes cartilage and protrudes through its pores and fibers during exercise. Despite significant advances in the replacement of affected bone joints (arthroplasty), artificial substitutes cannot ensure the full functioning of the synovial bone joint, so the restoration of one's cartilage tissue is much more preferable.

After injuries of the lower extremities, it is often required, it is carried out through small incisions and does not require long-term rehabilitation, as in the case of arthroplasty. With lesions of the vertebra, technology is often used that allows you to introduce bone cement into his body and make a reliable fixation.

Advice: diseases of the joints that affect the cartilaginous tissue are often manifested by dull aching pain when the weather changes and sharp during walking, sudden movement. These symptoms should not be ignored. With a strong progress of the pathology, the only way out will be the removal of the diseased bone joint, etc.

Video

Attention! The information on the site is presented by specialists, but is for informational purposes only and cannot be used for self-treatment. Be sure to consult a doctor!

Cartilage is a connective tissue found in many parts of the body. Although cartilage is tough and flexible, it is fairly easy to damage it.

Cartilage plays an important role in the human body:

• reduces friction and acts as a cushion between the joints;
• helps support weight when we run, bend or stretch a limb;
• holds bones together, such as chest bones;
• some parts of the body are made up almost entirely of cartilage, such as the outer parts of the ears;
• in children, the ends of long bones are made of cartilage, which eventually turns into bone.

Unlike other types of tissue, cartilage does not have a blood supply. Because of this, the restoration of the cartilage tissue of the joints takes a long time compared to other tissues that are supplied with blood.

There are three types of cartilage:

• Elastic cartilage (yellow cartilage)- the most resilient and elastic type of cartilage. Elastic cartilage makes up the outside of the ears, and part of the nose.
• Bone- the hardest type of cartilage, able to withstand a lot of weight. It is located between the discs and vertebrae of the spine and between the bones of the thigh and pelvis.
• hyaline cartilage- resilient and hard. Such cartilages are found between the ribs, around the trachea, and also between joints (articular cartilage).

All three types of cartilage can be damaged. When the cartilage in a joint is damaged, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, and even disability. According to the US National Institutes of Health, one third of American adults over the age of 45 suffer from knee pain caused by cartilage damage.

Causes of destruction of the cartilage tissue of the joint

• Direct hit- if the joint is subjected to excessive stress, such as during an intense workout, an unfortunate fall or a car accident. Athletes have a higher risk of joint damage, especially if they participate in sports that put a lot of stress on their joints, such as American football, rugby, and wrestling.
• Wear- a joint that experiences a long period of stress can be damaged. Obese people are more likely to suffer from knee cartilage wear than a normal weight person, simply because their body is under a much higher degree of exercise.
• Long-term inflammation, and eventually loss of cartilage in the joints. This condition is known as osteoarthritis.
• lack of movement Joints need to move regularly to stay healthy. Long periods of inactivity or immobility increase the risk of cartilage damage.

If steps are not taken to restore the cartilage of the joints, this can lead to such severe damage that a person cannot walk. In addition to immobility, patients are worried about severe pain. All small articular cartilage defects can eventually lead to osteoarthritis if enough time passes.

General principles

There are a number of non-surgical treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of articular cartilage damage.

Physiotherapy Exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding or supporting the joint can help relieve pressure on the joint and reduce pain.

Painkillers Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, help reduce swelling and pain.

Means-chondroprotectors that prevent further cartilage degradation.

Supporting Devices- such as a cane.

Lifestyle changes- such as reduced activity that uses the affected joint.

In more severe cases, when restoration of the cartilage tissue of the joints is impossible and the joint has lost mobility, the doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical treatment of damaged articular cartilage includes the following procedures: arthroscopic debridement, bone marrow stimulation, bone grafting, implantation of autologous chondrocytes. Innovative methods of cartilage repair include growing new cartilage from the patient's own stem cells, but he is still undergoing research.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs for short, are used to reduce the pain, warmth, swelling, and redness of the skin associated with a disease (or injury) that has caused cartilage damage. The three most commonly used NSAIDs are aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Aspirin is one of the most misused drugs due to its wide availability. It has several mechanisms of action.

• First, it prevents pain signals from reaching a part of the brain called the thalamus.
• Aspirin also irreversibly inhibits inflammatory chemical mediators that cause pain and additional inflammatory responses.
• In addition, aspirin reduces fever, affects the hypothalamus in the brain, which leads to vasodilation and sweating.

Side effects of aspirin include upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, tinnitus (tinnitus), headache, and diarrhea. Aspirin has an effect on the blood clotting system, which means that bleeding into damaged tissue can be increased. It can also increase soft tissue swelling and therefore increase the amount of time it takes to recover from an injury.

Although ibuprofen also has analgesic (analgesic) and antipyretic effects, it does not affect blood clotting to the same extent as aspirin.

Paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects, but has antipyretic and analgesic effects. It is effective in relieving moderate pain and does not affect the stomach.

Due to possible side effects, all NSAIDs should only be prescribed by a physician.

Chondroprotective agents- non-hormonal drugs used to treat degenerative processes in arthritis and contribute to the normalization of synovial fluid and cartilage matrix. They stimulate the synthesis of chondrocytes of collagen and proteoglycans, as well as the production of hyaluronic acid, inhibit cartilage degradation; and prevents fibrin formation in the subchondral and synovial vasculature.

To restore the cartilage tissue of the joints, the following chondroprotective drugs are usually prescribed:

It serves as a lubricant and shock absorber in the synovial fluid, and is found in the vitreous body of the eye. HA is not well absorbed orally, but is widely used as an injection into the diseased joint.

Possible mechanisms by which HA may act therapeutically include:

• providing additional lubrication of the synovial membrane;
• control of the permeability of the synovial membrane, thereby ensuring the management of effusion;
• direct blocking of inflammation by getting rid of free radicals.

Glucosamine. Numerous test-tube studies have shown that glucosamine stimulates the synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen by chondrocytes. Glucosamine also has a weak anti-inflammatory effect. The effects of glucosamine therapy have been studied using the intravenous, intramuscular, and oral routes of administration. When administered orally, about 87% of the administered dose is absorbed by the body. The use of glucosamine for the treatment of osteoarthritis is convenient and well tolerated by patients.

Chondroitin sulfate. This substance is found naturally in several tissues in the body in addition to cartilage, including tendons, bones, the cornea, and the heart valve.

As a chondroprotective agent, chondroitin sulfate has a metabolic effect and also competitively inhibits many cartilage-degrading enzymes. Also, according to the latest research, taking chondroitin sulfate can serve as a prevention of the formation of fibrin clots in synovial or subchondral microvessels. Chondroitin also has an anti-atherosclerotic effect.

Theoretically, taking this drug by mouth and as an ointment or cream increases blood flow to the tissues. Despite being a large molecule, the bioavailability of chondroitin following oral administration has been well documented. The human body and experimental animals absorbed about 70% of orally administered chondroitin sulfate.

Physiotherapy

A sedentary lifestyle reduces the amount of proteoglycans (protective molecules) in cartilage and leads to rapid cartilage wear. Therefore, to restore the cartilaginous tissue of the joints in overweight patients or leading a sedentary lifestyle, physiotherapy exercises are successfully used.

Thanks to exercise therapy exercises, such as “biking”, blood flow to the diseased area improves, ligaments are strengthened and the focus of inflammation is reduced. Swimming is also very useful, it significantly reduces the load on the joints.

How to restore joints with diet and folk remedies

Glycine and proline are the most abundant amino acids in the collagen fibers of human tissues. Although the body can produce these proteins, a low protein diet can create a deficiency of glycine and proline.

But these substances are found in abundance in gelatin. Therefore, patients with arthritis and arthrosis, as well as those who are looking for how to restore joints naturally, are advised to include gelatin-rich bone broths in their diet.

Refined carbohydrates in foods such as white flour foods, white rice and sugary foods and drinks should be avoided.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy is a great example of how to restore joints without the help of drugs. However, physiotherapy works best in combination with medical therapy.

• thermal procedures;
• acupuncture;
• massage;
• electrical impulse stimulation of muscles;
• laser therapy;
• magnetotherapy.

Usually they are carried out in a clinic or hospital, after which the patient can return home.

Folk remedies

Ginger is a popular home remedy for knee pain caused by cartilage wear. Its effectiveness is due to the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Grind a small piece of fresh ginger, add one glass of water and boil for 10 minutes.
• Strain and add a little honey and lemon juice to the broth.
• Drink two to three cups of this ginger tea daily until the pain subsides.
• You can also massage your sore knee with ginger oil two or three times a day.

Restore synovial fluid

Olive oil is a good source of lubricin. It is a protein that improves the synovial fluid's ability to protect the surrounding cartilage and serves as a lubricant.

A regular dose of olive oil promotes the regeneration of synovial fluid. Since drinking olive oil every day will be difficult even for the sake of maintaining healthy joints, it is enough to use olive oil to dress a salad or any dish.

The appearance of discomfort in a particular joint can disturb a person after 30-35 years. Most often, discomfort is associated with microcracks and various growths on the cartilage that covers the head of the joint - a natural shock absorber designed to compensate for the load during movement. After conducting diagnostic examinations, the specialist selects and recommends the optimal preparations for restoring the cartilage tissue of the joints.

Every year, according to medical statistics, there is a significant increase in the number of patients who apply for damage to the articular structures, difficulty in movement, and performance of work duties. Therefore, it is so important to start treatment with modern and effective medicines in a timely manner.

Stages of cartilage destruction

Criteria for choosing medications

The shock-absorbing properties of cartilage tissue are given by the intercellular substance located inside each joint. Its components are necessarily glucosamine, chondroitin and prostaglandins. Intra-articular synovial fluid with the above components washes the head of the joint, contributing to its regeneration.

When degenerative-dystrophic processes occur in the articular structures, the amount of synovial fluid needed is much less than required - the cartilage begins to break down, grow pathologically, osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis are formed.

The structure of the joint

In order for the restoration of the cartilage tissue of the joints in the patient to occur in a short time and without negative consequences, the specialist is guided by the following selection criteria:

• which subgroup the agent belongs to - for anti-inflammatory therapy, analgesic, for cartilage restoration;
• single drug or combination drug;
• what is the active substance - synthetic or extract of medicinal plants;
• the presence of individual contraindications to taking the medication;
• what is the mechanism of action of the agent on the human body;
• the time of appearance of the expected result, the optimal frequency and duration of taking the drug.

Osteocondritis of the spine

A medicine for restoring the cartilage tissue of the joints is prescribed only by a specialist - self-medication can lead to unwanted complications and consequences. The drugs of choice in this case are chondroprotectors.

Positive properties of chondroprotectors

Numerous studies have convincingly proven that the course of taking chondroprotective drugs allows you to achieve the following positive aspects:

• optimal nutrition of the cartilaginous membrane;
• full launch of the processes of formation of new own cells of the joint;
• excellent stimulation of synovial fluid synthesis;
• a quickly noticeable decrease in the intensity of pain;
• reduction or complete elimination of inflammatory processes in tissues.

In any pharmacy network today you can buy chondroprotectors in various forms - for injections, oral administration, in the form of ointments and gels for topical use.

The main representatives of chondroprotectors

Popular and effective, with a huge number of positive reviews, are the following drugs:

• In case of detection of osteochondrosis or osteoarthrosis, the specialist is one of the first to recommend taking the drug Artra - thanks to chondroitin sulfate, it contributes to the speedy elimination of microdamages on the shell of the joints. Produced by the manufacturer in tablet form.

Preparation Artra

• Artron Flex - the active substance is glucosamine, which contributes to the optimal prevention of cartilage microdamage processes, and is also able to counteract the active destruction of the joint itself. The drug is presented in the form of tablets.
• A drug belonging to the first generation of chondroprotectors - Alflutop. It is made from a specific type of fish, so it has the ability to enhance the production of type 2 collagen, as well as hyaluronic acid. Available as a solution for injection.
• Don's drug. Available in the form of a powder for injection, as well as in the form of tablets. To the positive aspects, experts attribute its ability not only to restore the cartilaginous tissue of the joint, but also to stop local foci of inflammation.
• Rumalon - is an extract from the bone marrow, as well as the cartilage of young calves. It is used by injection - the duration of the treatment course is determined only by a specialist.

Drug Rumalon

• Structum - contributes to the correction of metabolic processes in the structure of the cartilage, as well as in the joint bag, due to which the joint returns its former mobility. Produced by the manufacturer in capsules.
• Chondroitin sulfate has the most beneficial effect on the restoration of cartilage elements. It is produced both in the form of an independent ointment with one component, and in combination with other active substances.
• Elbon drug. Promotes the production of its own hyaluronic acid by the cells of the joint. It also has a pronounced analgesic and effective anti-inflammatory effect. Produced by the manufacturer in the form of a solution for injection.
• Teraflex. The main active ingredients - chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride - are aimed at stimulating the healing of cartilage microdamages, as well as regulating metabolic processes in it. The drug is mainly presented in the form of capsules.
• Fermatron is a substitute for intraarticular fluid. It effectively balances the volume of synovial fluid, according to the needs of the patient's body, contributes to a significant slowdown of negative processes in the joint.

Drug Fermatron

Contraindications

Like all medicines, preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints have their own characteristics of administration and contraindications:

• the period of bearing a baby and lactation;
• children's category of patients up to 12 years;
• individual increased susceptibility to the components of the drug;
• ankylosis of the joints - no positive effect in this case should be expected - the cartilage is already completely destroyed.

Pregnancy is a contraindication to the use of chondroprotectors

With extreme caution, chondroprotectors are prescribed for patients with a history of severe pathologies from the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.

Only a competent specialist can entrust the selection of the optimal remedy for correcting the condition of the cartilage tissue of the joints - they will choose the dose of the drug, its form of release, and the duration of the treatment course.

To prevent the development and exclude a possible recurrence of diseases of the joints and spine, a course of chondroprotectors is recommended.

Destructive processes in the cartilage tissue of the joints are a common pathology that can lead to loss of mobility. This problem is often faced by older people. Cartilage destruction often affects athletes or those who, for any other reason, experience heavy physical exertion.

In modern therapy, numerous techniques have been developed to help restore interarticular structures.

What is cartilage tissue?

The human skeleton is made up of bone and cartilage. In this tandem, the bones are responsible for the strength of the structure and provide the strength of the skeleton.

Cartilages are variants of connective tissue and are responsible for the elasticity of the connection of individual elements of the skeleton with each other, readiness for depreciation. Due to the readiness of cartilage to bind water, it is able to resist compressive loads.

The structure of the human joint

Features of the structure of cartilage

The successful performance of cartilage functions is based on the unique structure of this part of the human skeleton. It differs depending on the localization and may have a different structure, allowing you to perform different roles.

In any case, it consists of two components: cells (matrix) of chondrocytes and intercellular substance. Moreover, the total cellular weight of the matrix is ​​less than the mass fraction of the matrix.

This is clearly seen during histological examination. It shows the predominance of the intercellular substance over the cells of the cartilaginous tissue that occupy the minimum space directly. The density is very high, but at the same time 80% consists of water.

The structure of cartilage

Causes of destruction of cartilage tissue in the joints

A significant number of factors negatively affect the condition of the joints and their wear.

The primary reasons include:

• hereditary predisposition, in which the type of tissue contributes to the accelerated destruction process.
• The presence of congenital anomalies, which include hypermobility of the joints, dysplasia, flat feet.

Secondary causes that damage cartilage include:

Arthrosis and arthritis

• Mechanical damage, fractures, dislocations, bruises.
• Increased level of load, including sports, large body weight.
• Operational interventions.
• Inflammatory diseases, including, and synovitis.
• Diseases of the endocrine system, veins.
• Changes caused by the aging process of the body.
• Hormonal disorders and some others.

Symptoms

Among the symptoms of the disease:

• The appearance of a feeling of severe pain and pressure in the joints.
• Mobility may be impaired.
• A tumor or even a visible growth may appear in the affected area.
• Frequent fractures can occur in the place where the joints wear out, this is especially pronounced in the case of malignant tumors.

Cartilage repair methods

Among the advantages of diseases associated with cartilage disorders is the possibility of using various methods that promote recovery.

Among the most common options:

• The use of medications.
• Massage.
• Physiotherapy procedures.
• Operational intervention.

A feature of successful treatment is the willingness of the patient to consistently follow the recommendations of the attending physician. The process is lengthy. The effectiveness directly depends on the strict observance of all recommendations and instructions.

In the treatment of disorders in the spine, electrophoresis, minimal but constant physical activity (exercise therapy, swimming), acupuncture, and the choice of a balanced diet are used.

If it is necessary to restore cartilage tissue in the hip, knee or shoulder joint, first of all, it will be necessary to reduce the level of physical activity. At the initial stage of the lesion, the use of specialized drug courses is indicated.

Injections into the hip joint

Recovery with medication

The attending physician is ready to offer a wide range of medicines to a patient suffering from cartilage damage. The choice of the optimal drug should be recommended by the attending physician.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors are drugs with the help of which the processes of cartilage tissue restoration are activated. The effect of use is manifested at least six months after the start of administration. A feature of the funds is the provision of saturation of the cartilage tissue with elements that contribute to an increase in the level of elasticity.

There are several types of treatment used:

• Khonsurid, Structum, and other drugs that are created using chondoprotective acid.
• Made on the basis of cartilage and bone marrow taken from fish and animals, and Rumalon.
• mucopolysaccharides such as Arteparon.

Aflutop in injectable form Rumalon Dona in the form of Structum tablets

Glucosamine preparations

There are drugs of different generations:

1. First made on the basis of cartilaginous tissue of animal and vegetable origin.
2. Second, which are produced by monopreparations: chondroitin sulfate and purified hyaluronic acid.
3. The third group includes funds, which include, in addition to chondroitin sulfate, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins.

Mucopolysaccharides

This name is given to polysaccharides that ensure the vital activity of connective tissue. Necessary for the formation of synovial fluid, which is a natural lubricant between cartilage and bones.

Mucopolysaccharides bind well to proteins. These substances are found naturally in food. In case of deficiency, they can be included in the diet as part of medicines.

Among them:

• Presented in the form of capsules Piascledin, the cost of which is about 1100 rubles for one package.
• Mukosat, is sold in ampoules. The cost of one package for 10 ampoules is about 260 rubles.
• Injection Chondrogard. Sold in packs of 10 injection ampoules at a price from 650 rubles for packing.

Piascledin Mukosat Chondrogard

Combined funds

Combined agents provide cartilage regeneration.

The substances included in their composition contribute to the biosynthesis of tissues:

• The popular option is Teraflex. Its cost is depending on the packaging and the amount of funds in it. 360 - 3060 rubles.
• Produced in the form of a concentrated solution or gel. Price varies from 100 to 120 rubles.
• Odorless solution or white ointment Menovazin, whose price starts from 20 rubles for packing. Used for external use.

Dimexide Teraflex Advance Menovazin

Hormonal drugs

Designed to quickly stop and promote regeneration processes. Used in the form of injections directly into the diseased joint.

Steroid hormones:

• suppressing inflammation. Available in the form of tablets, ointments, solutions for injection and drip. Price from 68 rubles.
• Metipred, able to relieve inflammation, the cost varies from 180 to 347 rubles. Available in tablets.
• Suppressive function of tissue macrophages and leukocytes ointment hydrocartisone, cost from 28 to 151 rubles.

Prednisolone in the form of an ointment Hydrocortisone for external use Metipred

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be an alternative.

Hyaluronic acid preparations

Contained constantly in the body of each person. Its deficiency leads to damage to the musculoskeletal system, reduces the mobility of the joints.

They are administered with medications such as:

• Ostenil, injected directly into the joint with an injection. Price from 3000 rubles for a pack of 10 ampoules.
• Relieves pain and restores joint mobility . Available as a solution for injection. Packaging cost from 4500 rubles.

Ostenil Plus Fermatron

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Found in food. For example, it contains . With a deficiency, it can be administered with the help of drugs and dietary supplements to ensure the elasticity of the cartilage tissue and its strength.

On sale are:

• cost from 1200 rubles.
• , the cost of which is on average 800 rubles for packing.

It is sold in capsules in plastic tubes.

Vitamin preparations

Vitamin complexes help relieve inflammation and activate recovery processes. B vitamins play a leading role.

They provide regeneration processes, activate blood circulation in the affected areas:

• Osteocomplex, which contains vitamins for joints and bones. Price from 1500 rubles pack of 100 tablets.
• Vitamin B6 100 tablets per pack, price from 680 rubles.

Vitamin B6 Osteocomplex

Vitamins in injections for intramuscular injections can also be used.

Dietary supplements and homeopathic medicines

It is good to eliminate problems by including dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies in complex therapy.

They need to be used for at least 6 months:

• Tablets for oral administration Glucosamine Maximum, refers to dietary supplements, is available in the form of tablets at a price from 2970 rubles.
• Homeopathic remedy Dr. Theiss, promoting tissue repair. Available in the form of a gel-ointment, includes comfrey. From 196 rubles.

Dr. Theiss Glucosamine with Chondroitin

The best drugs for cartilage restoration

The best preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue are presented in the table of comparative effectiveness.

Surgical Recovery Options

In the case where medications do not help, surgical repair will help restore cartilage tissue. Surgery differs depending on the location of the diseased area and is recommended only in the absence of positive results using other means.

In the case of an operation on the spine, it is required to remove the hernia that forms at the site of the affected area with its removal. It requires the supervision of a specialist at the stage of healing of the site of intervention in order to avoid fusion of the vertebrae and other negative factors.

Spinal disc prosthesis

In case of damage to the hip, knee or shoulder joint, an operation is used to replace the affected area with a prosthesis, arthroplasty is recommended.

Physiotherapy methods

The beginning of procedures in the early stages helps to slow down the development of destruction for many years and partially contribute to recovery:

Physiotherapy for the treatment of hands

• Radiation and provokes an improvement in the flow of lymph and blood in the diseased area, an increase in vascular tone. This increases the nutrition of the affected joint.
• electrophoresis refers to the first options for the use of physiotherapy. Ions of the drug under the influence of the electromagnetic field created by the electrodes move to the affected area. The method ensures the penetration of the drug into the deeper layers of the skin.
• Ultrasound treatment contributes to the effect of ultrasound on the affected area, activating metabolic and recovery processes.

Exercise and physiotherapy

In complex therapy, exercise therapy is actively used. Exercise increases joint mobility, provokes the flow of nutrients into the cartilage tissue.

The most commonly used exercises include:

• "Bike". Lying on the floor, the patient's legs are bent at the knees. The patient pretends to ride a bicycle. Exercise is done 10-50 times in three sets. Gradually increase the number of rotations. It is useful in diseases of the cartilaginous tissue of the hip and knee joint.
• In case of disease of the cartilaginous tissue of the spine, tilts to the sides, forward are recommended. if it hurts the cervical region, the head. In each approach, do 10 slopes.
• When the joints and cartilage of the elbow and shoulder joints are affected, rotation of the arms and shoulders can be used, lifting the shoulders up and down. Do three sets of 10-50 times, increasing as the condition improves.
• Half squats will help increase mobility. Exercise is done 5-10 times in three sets.

Exercises

The use of folk remedies

An important part of the treatment is the use of folk remedies from plants and herbs and a change in diet:

• Ginger will help restore cartilage. The affected area can be massaged with ginger oil 3-4 times a day.
• A decoction of ginger has a good effect on relieving the inflammatory process of cartilaginous tissue. To prepare it, 100 g of the root is boiled in 1 liter of water. Lemon juice and honey are added to the resulting broth. Take tediously 1 glass three times a day.
• Synovial fluid will help olive oil. It is simply added to food.
• Herbs, in particular lilac ointment, will help relieve pain. For its preparation, lilac flowers are taken, dried, crushed and poured with resin and olive oil. It is applied with massaging movements to the joint area of ​​the affected cartilage tissue. The course lasts up to 3 months.

Cartilage Repair Products

Diet will help reduce the manifestation of cartilage disease. Gelatin can be an important nutrient.

It is found in foods such as:

Jelly for joints

• Broths, jellied or aspic.
• You can simply soak gelatin and add it to food, for example, mix it with cereals or yogurts during breakfast.
• To restore cartilage tissue and relieve inflammation, it is recommended to introduce garlic into the diet. Phytoncides, which it contains, well suppress inflammatory processes.

It is convenient to add garlic to a salad made from red bell pepper. This vegetable contains components that can activate the work of blood vessels that feed cartilage tissue.

What should be considered in sports nutrition?

Cartilage tissue suffers during strong physical exertion. For this reason, it is recommended to always use a special nutrient-supported diet.

To ensure it, sports nutrition is introduced:

• Natural source of food organic sulfur in the form of methylsulphenylmethane.
• Contributing to the increase in the flexibility and mobility of the joints and the health of the cartilage tissue chondroitin.
• Involved in the formation of cartilage tissue glucosamine.

These substances are part of special products for sports nutrition. They are available in tablet form, as nutritional mixtures and cocktails. It is convenient to purchase drugs in sports nutrition stores.

Cartilage restoration in Europe

When restoring cartilage tissue in European clinics, a new product is used JointRep(TM). This drug can assist in the restoration of cartilage even in the last stages of the disease. The drug is taken in courses of 6 months. It is used in therapy in clinics in Switzerland, Italy, and other European countries.