Does the articular cartilage require supplemental nutrition

Our body possesses many unique structures that bear weight and distribute loads to maintain balance. These joints consist of hard tissue, that is, our bones, a soft surface, that is, our cartilage, and soft tissues that protect and support them, that is, capsules, lig Novae, tendons, muscles. These original joints develop their own protective systems throughout our lives and, in a well-cared-for body, continue to function without malfunctioning for many years. Of course, certain genetic disorders or mechanical abnormalities resulting from trauma can cause joint problems in the early stages.

Even in such cases, if proper consultancy services are received, the deterioration can be delayed as much as possible. Proper consultancy service begins with preventive medicine first. The human body begins developing while in the womb and continues its development through different changes throughout life. Every product leaving the factory performs its function for a certain period of time; however, while a high-quality material may fail quickly if used poorly, a product of average or lower quality can continue to function for a longer time when used properly. The human body, too, is a living organism, akin to products manufactured by the same factory. When cared for properly, the results continue in the form of a healthy life.

Cartilage requires nothing from us other than the fluid that nourishes it and proper use. Joint fluid is a very important structure that provides nutrition and support for the cartilage formed by the body. Insufficient joint fluid leads to inevitable deterioration of the articular cartilage. So, can this joint fluid run out? Our fears are based on the idea that joint fluid runs out, gets depleted, or decreases. As long as there is movement, joint fluid will continue to be produced by our body and released into the joint. For this reason, the first thing we must do is eat a proper diet so that our body can produce a rich joint fluid. Secondly, we need to apply appropriate loads to the cartilage. This means avoiding excess weight, exercising regularly, not subjecting our joints to loads they cannot tolerate, and when necessary, allowing the strained joint to rest. There are herbal products produced and sold worldwide as if they were medications, designed to improve the quality of joint fluid. If we do not properly follow the recommended practices, we will not benefit from such products. If we eat properly and include the essential nutrients in our diet, we won't need supplements anyway. If we engage in regular exercise and condition our joints at regular intervals throughout the day with specific angles, pressures, and activities tailored to our fitness level, the synovial fluid that nourishes our cartilage will be produced consistently, and we will not need any additional fluid.

If there are rheumatic diseases that pass through the family, if we solve them with a rheumatology doctor at an early stage, if we diagnose and treat our mechanical system disorders caused by trauma correctly with an Orthopedic doctor, if we diagnose and treat cartilage or soft tissue injuries that have formed for different reasons early, we should not be afraid of progressive cartilage tissue diseases.We must find the truth that is necessary for us by asking the physicians who are our consultants to explain the reasons for their recommendations and the implications of their decisions. In other words, we must be our own doctors and fight with the help of good advisors to prevent our body's health from deteriorating.

References:

• Buckwalter JA, Mankin HJ. Articular cartilage: tissue design and chondrocyte–matrix interactions. Instructional Course Lectures. 1998;47:477-486.

• Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. The Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745-1759.

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226). London: NICE; 2022.

• Arden NK, Nevitt MC. Osteoarthritis: epidemiology. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2006;20(1):3-25.

• Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology Association. Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines. Ankara.