Osteoarthritis is a medical condition that usually develops gradually over time

Many people around the world are affected by it every year, but many of us would likely know very little about osteoarthritis, or the effects it has on people’s joints. Effectively, it is a condition that affects the cartilage that protects the body’s joints.

Key characteristics:

• Mild inflammation of the tissues in and around the joints
• Damage to cartilage (strong, smooth surface that lines the bones and allows joints to move easily and without friction)
• Bony growths that develop around the edge of the joints

One misconception surrounding the condition is that it only affects older people. This is not always the case, although it usually develops in people over 50 years of age.

How osteoarthritis affects joints

Cartilage is like a protective shield that sits in your joints where your bones meet and helps them to work properly. It does so by absorbing the stresses put onto the joint and allow the bones to move over each other smoothly.

Usually very thick and strong, the effects osteoarthritis has on this connective tissue often causes it to become thinner and more brittle. This alters its ability to act as a shock absorber, and the bone underneath the cartilage becomes thicker and broadens out as a result.

As time goes on and the bones continue to move, the joint fluid surrounding the joint also begins to deteriorate. This is part of what contributes to the joint’s movement becoming less smooth, and the joint can become increasingly stiff and painful.

The spine and weight-bearing joints such as the knees, ankles, hips and spine are most frequently affected by osteoarthritis, making mobility difficult. However, almost any joint can be affected.

Find out more information

One of the most important things to communicate to anyone who is concerned about whether or not they have symptoms of osteoarthritis is to speak to their doctor. The purpose of this article is simply to help you have a general understanding of the condition, as well as where you might look to find more information!

Source of information: NHS.uk

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Glucosamine Sulphate – What Is It?

Glucosamine Sulphate is a naturally occurring chemical found in the human body. It is used by the body to produce a variety of other chemicals that are involved in building tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the thick fluid that surrounds the joints.

Joints are cushioned by the fluid and the cartilage that surround them. Each sachet of Joint Complex contains 1,000mg of Glucosamine Sulphate.