Less Common Surgical Procedures
There are also a number of alternative surgical techniques sometimes used to treat cartilage damage, including:
- allograft osteochondral transplantation similar to mosaicplasty, but the replacement cartilage is obtained from a recently deceased donor, and is used to repair larger damaged areas
- autologous chondrocyte implantation the surgeon first takes a small sample of cartilage cells from the joint these are then used to grow more cells in a laboratory and the new cells are used to replace the damaged cartilage
- artificial scaffolds a special patch or gel is used to repair the damaged cartilage it may be used in combination with marrow stimulation or on its own
These procedures are only carried out in a few hospitals in the UK and are not routinely provided on the NHS. You may be able to pay for them privately, but they can be very expensive.
For more information about autologous chondrocyte implantation see:
Help For Arthritic Knees
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of pain and disability in knees. In the knee joint, smooth articulate cartilage, called surface cartilage, covers the ends of the femur and tibia . Between the two bones sits a second type of cartilage, called menisci, which acts as a shock absorber. Joint fluid also lubricates the knee joint.
Osteoarthritis starts as the lack or loss of surface cartilage, progressively involving the surrounding bone, tissues and synovial fluid. In OA, your knee cartilage may thin in spots or disappear completely, resulting in areas of exposed bone.
X-rays, MRI and knee arthroscopy can help you and your doctor to determine the right treatment plan, which may include these noninvasive options.
Physical Steps To Restore Joint Cartilage
First and foremost, its important to limit high-impact damage to joint cartilage.
Activities like jogging, jumping from high objects, and impact sports may be fine for younger people, since joint cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other structures are more flexible and forgiving. But as we get older, the pounding places undue stress and damage on joint cartilage. Thats why you would be hard-pressed these days to find an older professional football player who doesnt have severe joint problems and/or a joint replacement.
Additionally, obesity places constant and unnecessary stress on the joints, which is increased even more when walking or doing upright activities. Losing even a few pounds of excess weight can make a profound difference in both joint pain and long-term joint health.
Likewise, its important to move every joint in the body through its complete range of motion every day. Since cartilage doesnt have a blood supply like other living tissues, it must receive its nutrients and remove any waste material by way of the synovial fluid within the joint capsule. Range-of-motion exercises help ensure this synovial exchange of fluid occurs regularly over the entire joint surface.
Regular exercise is essential for joint health too. Exercises that dont unduly compress joint cartilage can help preserve joint mobility and stability, and overall circulation. Exercise also helps decrease stress hormones and inflammation throughout the body.
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Wear And Tear Due To Joint Conditions
In the human body, the most common disease of the cartilage which is also the most common form of joint disease isosteoarthritis.
This condition causes destruction and reduction of cartilage mass in a wear-and-tear fashion.
When cartilage is worn out, the bones that meet at a joint start rubbing against each other because the element that was once reducing friction has now been eliminated.
The pain that results from this process is often excruciating.
Besides this, there are over 100 forms of joint diseases that can cause the amount of cartilage to decrease.
They are collectively known as arthritis and include rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, and more.
Vitamin K And Cartilage Thickness
This fat-soluble vitamin doesn’t get much attention, but it could be an important one to watch if you’re experiencing cartilage injury or degeneration. Vitamin K is vital for activating a vitamin-K dependent protein called matrix Gla protein that is a component of muscle, bone and cartilage.
There are two types of vitamin K K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is the most abundant type found in foods, primarily in leafy green vegetables, and the one most closely correlated to cartilage thickness. In a study published in The Egyptian Rheumatologist in July 2016, vitamin K1 levels in knee osteoarthritis patients were found to be significantly decreased compared to a control group.
Males need 120 micrograms of vitamin K daily, and all women, including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding, need 90 micrograms. The risk of vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults who eat a balanced diet, according to NIH. People with malabsorption disorders have a higher risk, as do those who take certain medications that may affect vitamin K metabolism. Vitamin K foods good for joints and cartilage include collard greens, turnip greens, spinach, kale, broccoli and soybeans.
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Solutions For Knee Pain
When people are in pain, they often turn to:
- Over-the counter medicine
- Arthoscopic surgery
- Hyaluronic acid gel injections
These are not long-term solutions, and they can mask the problem. Not only are they ineffective, but they can also be expensive and require repeated medical appointments. In the case of opioid painkillers, long-term use can lead to abuse, dependence and addiction.
The good news is, patients suffering from any kind of joint pain may be considered as candidates for stem cell therapy.
After several years of suffering due to osteoarthritis , patients come to Native Stem Cell Clinics for relief from knee pain.
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
- Having a hard time getting up from a chair.
- Difficulty walking up and down the stairs.
- Trouble standing for long periods of time.
- Physical activity is painful.
- Your knee feels like it is going to give out.
- Swelling in the knee. Popping. Cracking.
- Difficulty sleeping.
At Native Stem Cell Clinics, stem cell therapy is the most encouraging treatment for knee pain that we have seen in some time.
We have developeda process known as ReVivaStem®, which uses a patients own adult stem cells, injected into the source of the pain, to regrow hyaline cartilage, the type of cartilage that covers the ends of bones in your knees, hips, shoulders and other joints. This cartilage can carry the weight of the body.
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How To Rebuild Knee Cartilage Naturally
As discussed previously, researchers used to believe that articular cartilage could not regenerate on its own because it had no blood supply, which of course is the primary pathway of nutrient delivery to tissues.
However,studies have shown that there is some evidence that articular cartilage can be stimulated to grow naturally.
We always recommend a preventive approach to wellness, so here are a few tips to help rebuild your cartilage naturally:
- Eat foods that are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C to help synthesize more collagen in your body.
- Eat brown rice and other sources of hyaluronic acid to ensure your joints are well lubricated and that your joint cartilage is not wearing out.
- Maintain healthy exercise habits to keep your joints in shape and to prevent atrophy of the articular cartilage.
- Make it a habit to include herbal supplements in your diet like these that have beneficial properties for preventing and alleviating joint deterioration.
Studies have also shown that certain traditional plants have the ability to increase the synthesis of collagen, which then boosts the activity of chondrocytes in forming more cartilage. Such plants include Pleurostyia capensis, Pterocarpus angolensis, and Eucomis autumnalis.
We hope this helps you learn how to increase cartilage in your joints naturally so you can avoid the pain and suffering associated with joint deterioration.
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Surgery For No Cartilage In Knee: What Are The Options
Surgical options for no cartilage in the knee are limited. Firstly, keyhole surgery for knee osteoarthritis is not effective and, in fact, could accelerate knee damage. High tibial knee osteotomy can reduce pressure on the knee joint if there is a malalignment problem. However, evidence for effectiveness is not strong and risks are real. Finally, knee replacement surgery is effective at reducing pain and improving function compared to physiotherapy, but the sting in the tail is that 16% of people have problems after this surgery some of these are serious. Bottom line is that surgery should only be done once your pain and activity levels become unacceptable.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joints, and excess fat stores in the body can cause further inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Keeping to a healthy weight can be difficult for some people, especially those who have a medical condition that reduces their mobility, such as osteoarthritis. A doctor or dietitian will be able to provide advice.
Including specific foods in the diet can strengthen the bones, muscles, and joints and help the body to fight inflammation and disease.
People with osteoarthritis can try adding the following eight foods to their diet to ease their symptoms:
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How Food Helps Oa
How and what you eat may affect the development of osteoarthritis.
Scientists say that when inflammation occurs, the body produces molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals form in the body in response to toxins and natural processes, including inflammation.
When too many free radicals build up, oxidative stress results. Oxidative stress can contribute to cell and tissue damage throughout the body.
This includes damage to the synovium and cartilage, which play a role in cushioning the knee joint. Oxidative stress can also trigger further inflammation.
Antioxidants are molecules that can help protect the body from free radicals. Theyre present in the body, and you can also obtain them from plant-based foods.
Researchers dont know exactly how free radicals and oxidative stress affect OA, but some have suggested that consuming antioxidants may help.
Consuming a diet that enables you to maintain a healthy weight will also help manage OA of the knee.
Various nutrients may help boost joint health and reduce inflammation.
The following foods may help delay the onset or progression of osteoarthritis:
- fruits and vegetables, which provide antioxidants
- low-fat dairy foods, which contain calcium and vitamin D
- healthy oils, such as extra virgin olive oil
These foods are a part of an anti-inflammatory diet.
Some foods can increase the risk of oxidative stress.
Foods that may have this effect include:
Ways of reducing or managing weight include:
Ways of doing this include:
When Taken Together Heres What They Do To Solve Your Joint Problem:
- It helps your body produce more collagen, the fundamental restorative element of the cartilage tissue. That said, consuming Glucosamine and Chondroitin can help you prevent your condition from becoming worse.
- If your damaged cartilage is caused by physical trauma, consuming both these natural compounds can help you recover faster. This is what makes this product perfect for athletes and active people like me.
- Consuming both of these natural compounds together can help reduce joint space. This will provide positive results for anyone who suffers joint pain, especially if its caused by Osteoarthritis.
Anyway, Glucosamine and Chondroitin work so great for treating joint problems Which is why theyre loved by many people for treating their joint problems.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin loved by many people for treating their joint problems.
According to medical publications by Harvard Medical School, Glucosamine, which is made from shellfish, and chondroitin, which is made from cow cartilage are being used every day by millions of Americans including, reportedly, George. W Bush.
If you want to read more reviews of some of the Americans that use Projoint plus, and their exciting stories about this remarkable supplement, you can read it HERE now. Youll be quite surprised with their stories. Thats for sure.
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The Hard Work Is Starting To Pay Off
For both approaches, we are still a long way from having a treatment that can be used in clinical practice, but, if all goes well, we could be in clinical trials in a few years.
Our aim is to turn osteoarthritis into a curable or at least preventable disease. If this approach works in humans, we expect that a simple knee injection or some keyhole surgery will be enough to heal cartilage defects and prevent further damage. We might even be able to treat already developed osteoarthritis and avoid the need for joint replacement.
Its disheartening having to tell patients with osteoarthritis that there is little we can do for them except offer painkillers and physiotherapy. It is a dream to be able to offer a medical treatment that can return these patients to their jobs, to their hobbies and to fulfilling lives. We are hopeful that all the efforts to understand how the joint cells work are finally paying off, and we are near to achieving this dream.
What Is The Function Of Cartilage
Cartilage is a form of connective tissue that covers the end of each bone in the body. It provides cushioning and shock absorption to the joints, allowing them to move smoothly without restriction. When there is decreased cartilage within a joint, you may experience pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your joints through their full range of motion.
A variety of treatments are used to treat loss of cartilage in the knee, ranging from conservative measures like pain medications, weight loss, and physical therapy to more invasive procedures like injections and surgery, depending on the severity of your symptoms and degree of cartilage loss.
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Foods That Help Your Joints
Eating foods good for joints and cartilage may help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis and gout. In some cases, you might even be able to prevent or delay their progression.
Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D., of Tufts University, states that eating to protect your joints can potentially reduce painful inflammation and annoying stiffness. By adding exercise to a healthy diet, you’ll likely lose weight, which also helps ease the stress on your hip and knee joints. Even a small reduction in body weight is a step in the right direction.
Per Dr. Nelson, you should consume one or more servings of fish, nuts, soy and legumes each day. Limit meat, eggs and poultry to two servings daily. Add three servings of vegetables, three servings of fruits and four to nine servings of starches, with at least half from whole grain sources.
Between two and three servings of reduced-fat milk, cheese and yogurt cover the dairy category. Omega-3 oils are very desirable, but you should limit all other oils and fats. It’s also advisable to limit your consumption of sugary foods.
Dr. Nelson’s recommendations are based on smaller size “servings” rather than heaping portions that often fill diners’ plates. Also, making these healthy foods a priority means your plate won’t have much room for calorie-packed processed foods that don’t provide much nutrition. These principles also provide a good foundation for an osteoarthritis diet.
Vitamin D And Osteoarthritis
Vitamin D is crucial for the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Adequate amounts enable proper absorption of calcium, which is necessary to support the structure and function of bones and teeth. It may also play a role in the prevention and treatment of cartilage deterioration, although using vitamin D for joint pain is unlikely to have immediate or verifiable results.
According to authors of a research review published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine in June 2017, vitamin D levels play a role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Their findings show that people with osteoarthritis typically have low levels of the nutrient, while individuals with sufficient blood levels have a lower risk of developing the condition and the associated cartilage degeneration.
The recommended daily intake for vitamin D is 600 international units for all adults. NIH reports that there are few dietary sources of vitamin D, which can make it difficult to get adequate amounts through diet alone. Your body can synthesize vitamin D from reactions within the skin when exposed to UVB rays from the sun. But due to widespread sunscreen use and less time outdoors, many people arent meeting the requirement.
You can increase your vitamin D stores by eating more fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, and fortified milk, juice and cereal. If you think you are not meeting your vitamin D needs, speak with your doctor about whether you need a supplement.
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The Process Of Producing New Cartilage
The formation of cartilage starts even before a person is born. It starts as a primitive, loose and undifferentiated connective tissue that subsequently undergoes differentiation in a process called chondrogenesis.
The cells involved in cartilage formation are called chondrocytes.
To simplify the growth process of cartilage, there are two mechanisms involved:
1. Interstitial growth
- The chondrocytes undergo cell division and increase in number
- The matrix of the cartilage is synthesized
- The cartilage expands from within
2. Appositional growth
- Premature chondrocytes called chondroblasts differentiate
- The matrix of the cartilage is synthesized
- The girth of the cartilage expands
So, how is understanding this growth process important to you?
Previously, orthopedic specialist hypothesized that articular cartilage cannot regenerate because it has no blood supply.
When you recheck the processes outlined above, you can see how easy it is to manipulate the growth of cartilage.
For instance, you can:
Tips To Protect Your Knees As You Age
Your knees bear a lot of weight as well as a large responsibility for your ability to effectively get around. They also contain a lot of moving parts, from ligaments and cartilage to muscles and bones, that can become damaged either from injury or the natural wear and tear of age, making it difficult to stay active and enjoy everything life has to offer.
Fortunately, Dr. Struan Coleman is an expert in preventive joint care and offers the following tips to help you protect your knee joints as you age:
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