Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move. Joints consist of the following
Cartilage – at the joint, the bones are covered with cartilage a connective tissue, which is made up of cells and fibers and is wear-resistant. Cartilage helps reduce the friction of movement.
Synovial membrane – a tissue called the synovial membrane lines the joint and seals it into a joint capsule. The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid a clear, sticky fluid around the joint to lubricate it.
Ligaments – strong ligaments tough, elastic bands of connective tissue surround the joint to give support and limit the joint’s movement.
Tendons – tendons another type of tough connective tissue on each side of a joint attach to muscles that control movement of the joint.
Bursas – fluid-filled sacs, called bursas, between bones, ligaments, or other adjacent structures help cushion the friction in a joint.
Synovial fluid – a clear, sticky fluid secreted by the synovial membrane.
Joint Pain Associated with Arthritis
Arthritis Joint Pain
Most forms of arthritis are associated with joint pain that can be divided into two general categories acute and chronic. Acute pain is temporary, lasting a few seconds or longer. Chronic pain, such as that seen in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, ranges from mild to severe and can last weeks, months, and years to a lifetime. More than 40 million Americans are affected by some form of arthritis, and many have chronic joint pain that limits daily activity. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 20 million Americans, while rheumatoid arthritis, which affects about 2.1 million Americans, is the most disabling form of the disease.
What Causes Joint Pain?
The joint pain
Arthritic joint pain varies greatly from person to person. Factors that contribute to the joint pain include swelling within the joint, the amount of heat or redness present, or damage that has occurred within the joint. In addition, activities affect joint pain differently so that some patients note joint pain after first getting out of bed in the morning, whereas others develop joint pain after prolonged use of the joint. Find detailed information on Joints and Joint Pain Products
CARTILAGE
What is Cartilage?
Cartilage is the key to healthy joints. Cartilage is the spongy tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints. Although cartilage is composed of 65 to 80 percent water, there are three other important components that make up the rest of cartilage tissue collagen, proteoglycans, and chondrocytes.
Collagen a fibrous protein. Collagen is also the building block of skin, tendon, bone, and other connective tissues.
Proteoglycans a combination of proteins and sugars. Strands of proteoglycans and collagen weave together and form a mesh-like tissue. This allows cartilage to flex and absorb physical shock.
Chondrocytes cells that are found all through the cartilage. They mainly help cartilage stay healthy and grow. Sometimes, however, they release substances called enzymes that destroy collagen and other proteins. Researchers are trying to learn more about chondrocytes.
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