One of the most common problems of our time are various diseases of the spine. But if earlier osteochondrosis or hernia were found mainly in the elderly, now these diseases have become younger. Therefore, the question becomes more and more relevant: “How to restore the spine?”. After all, most diseases are characterized by degenerative-dystrophic processes that disrupt the structure and function of the vertebrae and discs. This prevents a person from moving normally, and over time can lead to disability.

Restoring the intervertebral discs, as well as the vertebrae themselves, is not an easy task. Many experts believe that after 20-25 years, when the skeleton is already formed, it is completely impossible to do this. But in fact, the restoration of the spine is a long-term work, but feasible. If you apply these techniques constantly, you can stop the destruction of cartilage and restore freedom of movement.

Causes of destruction of discs and vertebrae

Previously, spinal diseases were found mainly in the elderly. Degenerative processes developed due to age-related changes in blood vessels and cartilage. But the modern way of life has led to the fact that the spine began to collapse even among young people. Why is this happening?

• The main reason is a sedentary lifestyle. Because of it, blood circulation and metabolism in tissues slow down. Prolonged stay in one position leads to the destruction of discs, dysfunction of the spine.
• Various injuries, even mild ones, negatively affect the health of the musculoskeletal system. Overstrain, micro-ruptures of ligaments and muscles cause inflammation, and also disrupt blood circulation.
• Increased physical activity leads to the erasure of the vertebral discs.

When do you need spine reconstruction?

There are many diseases that disrupt the functioning of the spinal column. Their treatment is usually long, most often after it a recovery period is needed. What diseases require it:

• microtrauma of ligaments, muscles, disc protrusion;
• hernias are common and with complications;
• osteochondrosis;
• compression fracture, as well as other injuries.

Features of the restoration of intervertebral discs

It has been scientifically proven that discs do not have their own blood supply, so they are often deficient in nutrients. This leads to their drying out, disruption of functions. Because of this, the spine loses its flexibility. The discs can no longer serve as a shock absorber during movements, and the vertebrae begin to collapse. Therefore, all techniques for restoring intervertebral discs should perform the following tasks:

• remove the load from the damaged area of ​​the spinal column;
• start the regeneration processes;
• change the diet so that it is designed to strengthen bone and cartilage tissue;
• activate blood circulation and metabolism with the help of dosed physical activity, as well as special medications.

Spinal Restoration Techniques

All diseases of the back must be treated on time. Only then can the function of the spine be restored. There are different methods of rehabilitation, many of them have been used for many years, others have been created in recent years. But for them to be effective, these methods must fulfill the main task of restoring the spine: normalize blood circulation and nutrition of bone and cartilage tissue. For this, several methods are used.

1. Dosed physical activity. It should be gentle, but regular. It is best if it is walking, swimming, yoga or exercise therapy.
2. Proper nutrition that provides the spine with all the necessary substances.
3. It is very important for the spine that a person sleeps on an orthopedic mattress. It is during rest that tissue regeneration occurs.
4. It is useful to use massage, electrophoresis, acupuncture, as well as other physiotherapeutic methods.

The role of proper nutrition in spinal recovery

In many cases, the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue occurs due to a violation of their nutrition. This may be due to problems in the blood supply, as well as a lack of nutrients in the blood. Quite often, destruction occurs due to malnutrition. Therefore, changing the diet is one of the main ways to restore the spine. First of all, it is necessary to remove products harmful to the spine from it:

• sugar, confectionery, pastries that disrupt blood circulation;
• a large amount of salt is deposited in the tissues and destroys them;
• fatty, spicy foods, smoked meats, canned foods contain many harmful substances that increase inflammation and slow down metabolism;
• alcoholic and caffeinated drinks destroy cartilage, constrict blood vessels.

There are also products that are simply necessary for various diseases of the spine. They help restore discs, vertebrae and cartilage, improve blood circulation and nutrition in tissues. Food should be rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D. What else is recommended to include in the diet to restore the spine:

• a large amount of fluid ensures good blood circulation;
• cereals, vegetables, fruits;
• sesame seeds rich in calcium;
• a mixture of dried apricots, figs, prunes;
• sea ​​fish, in which there is a lot of phosphorus;
• egg yolk is a source of vitamin D;
• beef and pork cartilage in the form of jelly.

Therapeutic exercise for the restoration of the spine

This is an old technique that is successfully used for rehabilitation after injuries and various diseases. Dosed physical exercises strengthen the muscular corset, improve blood circulation and metabolism, and promote the production of substances that help in tissue regeneration. It is forbidden to engage only in the acute period, as well as with severe pain. In the case of serious spinal injuries, such as a hernia with a pinched nerve or after a compression fracture, physical activity should only be under the supervision of a specialist.

1. Walking is considered the best exercise for restoring the spine. Already after 20 minutes of a quiet walk in the cartilage tissue, blood circulation and metabolic processes improve.
2. Many experts believe that it is very important to stretch the spine regularly. For this house, you need to hang a crossbar in order to hang on it every day for at least a minute in the morning and evening.
3. Swimming effectively relaxes and strengthens muscles, relieves pain.
4. Special stretching and relaxation exercises also help restore the spine. The main thing is not to do a lot of repetitions, not to overstrain.

Here are some videos with exercises for various parts of the spine:

Medicines for spinal rehabilitation

For successful rehabilitation after diseases of the spinal column, it is very important to take the right medications. It should be remembered that the most commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective only in the acute period. They help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. But during the recovery they are not needed. And this applies both to medicines taken orally and to ointments.

But there are also drugs that really help restore the spine. They saturate its tissues with nutrients, improve blood circulation.

• Preparations containing glucosamine and chondroitin are very important components of cartilage tissue. These substances are in the composition of such drugs: Alflutol, Terraflex, Donna.
• Biologically active supplements based on Omega-3 acids. First of all, it is fish oil, as well as Omacor or Omega 3.
• Vitamin-mineral complexes with a high content of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. Most often, Calcium D3 Nycomed, Complivit Calcium D3 or Natekal D3 are used to restore the spine.
• There are several amino acids that are involved in the processes of cartilage tissue regeneration. These are arginine, tryptophan, lysine, glutamine and proline.

Rehabilitation after a compression fracture

Like any injury in this place, a compression fracture is very dangerous. In severe cases, it can lead to disability. Therefore, it is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations. Only then can the function of the spine be restored. The rehabilitation period is needed after a compression fracture because the treatment of the injury involves a long period of immobility. After the patient is allowed to stand up, he needs to regain freedom of movement. Rules to follow in order to successfully restore the spine:

• in the early recovery period, massage, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, as well as some exercise therapy exercises are used;
• sleeping at this time is allowed only on the back, on an orthopedic hard mattress;
• for some time, sometimes up to a year, it is forbidden to sit;
• the first time after the patient was allowed to get up, he needs to wear a special orthopedic support corset;
• regularly within 1-2 years after the injury, you need to undergo a course of massage and other physiotherapy;
• Exercise therapy should be performed daily.

The health of his spine depends on how seriously the patient takes recovery measures. Only by following all the recommendations of the doctor, using an integrated approach, you can restore freedom of movement and stop the destruction of the vertebrae and discs.

Due to muscle disorders, degenerative lesions often damage the cartilage of the joints. Ligaments also suffer. A fibrous formation may appear in the area of ​​​​the hip joint, which will disrupt the operation of the bone connection. To restore the previous functionality, it is necessary to use preparations to restore the cartilage tissue of the joints.

Causes and symptoms of joint destruction

Joints are made up of bones that cover cartilage. It is the cartilage that allows the articular surfaces to glide freely between each other. Bones deliver nutrients to cartilage. If there is a problem in one component of the joint, the operation of the entire system is disrupted. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of your joints and, if necessary, urgently begin treatment of the problems that have arisen. Otherwise, a person may develop serious diseases.

Factors that destroy the joint:

• Metabolic disorders within the joint. Cartilage is made up of collagen and proteins, while proteins are made up of valuable elements. If changes occur in the metabolism of such elements (chondroitin and glycosamines), cartilage begins to break down.
• The inflammatory process damages the cartilage. Substances are produced that continue to destroy the tissue, the bone grows, spikes form. If such a pathology is not eliminated in time, osteoarthritis may occur.
• Too much stress on the joints also damages cartilage.

Most often, these causes make themselves felt in the area of ​​the knee, intervertebral, hip joint, as well as in the joints of the hands.

The tissue of the knee joint is exposed to loads every day under the weight of excess weight, when performing active movements. If it is damaged, it is important to direct all your efforts to its restoration.

A disease in which cartilage suffers is manifested by pain in the lower back, neck, knee, hands, crunching when performing movements, and the inability to unbend.

If you do not carry out treatment, after a while the pain in the joints makes itself felt even in a calm position, in the morning the body is shackled. A person cannot even take a step on his own.

Methods for restoring cartilage tissue

Active physical activity leads to the fact that the cartilage tissue in the hip joint or other part of the body wears out. Restoration of the cartilaginous tissue of the joints is carried out with the help of a change in nutrition, medicines, traditional medicine, physiotherapy, gymnastics.

Therapy with drugs

The restoring effect has treatment with chondroprotectors. The drug prevents the development and progression of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the musculoskeletal system. There are the following remedies based on chondroprotectors that help restore and build up cartilage tissue:

• drugs with chondroitin sulfate: Chondroxide, Mukosat;
• products with glucosamine: Flexamine, Artron;
• medicine with mucopolysaccharide: Arteparon;
• combined preparations: Movex, Triaktiv;
• a drug that simultaneously includes: Teraflex;
• means, which include natural components of animal origin: Rumalon, etc.

With severe destruction in the knee joint or in the area of ​​the hip joint, chondroprotectors alone cannot restore cartilage tissue. Comprehensive treatment is required.

Application of Chondroxide

Chondroxide stimulates the production of proteoglycans, accelerates the processes of restoration of cartilage and bone tissues, and increases the production of synovial fluid.

It is contraindicated to use the drug during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The duration of treatment is six months. If necessary, the course of therapy is repeated after a while. Tablets can be purchased at the pharmacy with a prescription.

Application of Artron

The drug reduces a person's need for pain relief and inflammation. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to additionally drink funds with chondroitin sulfate.

The medicine is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation, in childhood, with serious pathologies of the kidneys and liver, with allergic reactions.

The use of Teraflex

The composition of this drug includes sulfate and ibuprofen. Teraflex has a pronounced chondroprotective effect and an effect that relieves inflammation.

The drug is prohibited for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, high levels of potassium in the blood, impaired blood clotting, renal or hepatic insufficiency.

Teraflex can be combined with other drugs only after consulting a doctor. When restoring cartilage, it is recommended to monitor blood counts, as well as the functioning of the kidneys and liver.

Application of Rumalon

This drug is made from calf cartilage. It is used to restore the cartilaginous tissue of the joints, to better supply them with blood, to relieve pain and inflammation.

The remedy is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and an allergic reaction to the components of the drug. You can buy medicine at a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.

All preparations based on chondroprotectors are recommended to be drunk within six months. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor, taking into account the course of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the general well-being of the patient, as well as the degree of damage to the cartilage tissue.

Treatment with injections

In the joints, cartilage tissue can be restored with the help of special injections. Injections are prescribed by a doctor, as it is important to choose the right drug. Often in the form of injections, Hydrocortisone or Kenalog is injected into the joint.

Injections have contraindications and side effects and may not always lead to positive results.

Remember! Injections to restore cartilage tissue in the hip joint can be done in one thigh no more than three times with an interval between them of two weeks.

Additional ways to restore cartilage

Ointments, compresses, lotions help to restore cartilage tissue. Such funds promote better blood circulation, relieve soreness and muscle spasms.

In addition to drug therapy, the following methods of treatment are used to restore cartilage:

1. Physiotherapy can enhance the effect of the drug. They resort to magnetotherapy, UHF and ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, inductothermy, phototherapy, the use of laser technology.
2. To strengthen muscles, relieve pain and spasms, it is recommended to undergo a massage course. If the massage is performed correctly, it brings very good results in the restoration of cartilage.
3. In order to better supply the knee with blood, as well as produce synovial fluid, it is recommended to perform special exercises. The set of exercises is determined by the doctor. They can be performed sitting, lying down or in the water. It is forbidden to excessively load the joints, squat, perform exercises on bent knees.
4. Some foods also help build cartilage tissue. Include red peppers, rose hips, citrus fruits, sea buckthorn, greens in your diet. It is useful to eat salmon, mackerel, sardines, as well as chicken, cod, radishes, cabbage, garlic, chicken eggs and other foods. They contain vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the normal functioning of human joints.
5. To alleviate the patient's condition, you can resort to alternative therapy. A compress with honey, burdock, dandelion vodka tincture helps to relieve swelling and inflammation in the affected joint. Any method of traditional medicine is used only after consulting a doctor.

Useful products, balanced nutrition, dosed physical activity allow, together with drug treatment, to successfully restore the cartilage tissue of the joints.

Now you know how to restore the cartilage system in the body. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor: all drugs are selected individually. If you take timely measures and conduct complex therapy, you can quickly restore the condition of cartilage and tissues in human joints.

Nowadays, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, namely, joint damage, are among the most diagnosed ailments. According to WHO, in terms of prevalence, they lag behind only diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. This forces pharmacists to create more and more new drugs to restore joints. Among themselves, they differ in composition, direction of action and other characteristics.

Any joint consists of two types of tissues: bone and cartilage. The first is a solid base of the articulation, and the second provides a soft sliding of its components relative to each other. Cartilage is divided into three types: hyaline, fibrous and elastic.

Cartilage gets the nutrients it needs from bones because it lacks blood vessels. This means that if there is a problem in one part of the structure, then the whole joint begins to suffer. And due to the lack of nerve endings in the cartilage, the development of the disease can be overlooked in time. Various failures in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system usually appear over the years, so they are usually referred to as age-related ailments.

The main reasons leading to the destruction of the joint:

• Metabolic disorders within the cartilage itself. The main components of any cartilage are collagen and proteins, and the main substances that make up proteins are chondroitin and glucosamines. The violation of the exchange of these components can lead to: unbalanced diet, serious diseases of the pancreas and other factors.
• Inflammation of the joint. It can be caused by trauma, excessive load, hypothermia of the joint and a number of other reasons. If you do not start taking an anti-inflammatory agent and a medicine to restore the joint in a timely manner, this will lead to the destruction of cartilage. As a result, problems will begin with the production of synovial fluid necessary for lubrication. The substance released instead of it can provoke inflammation in the healthy parts of the joint and the growth of bone tissue with the formation of spikes. Often recurring inflammation can eventually cause such a serious disease as osteoarthritis.
• Excessive loads. Here, not only the increased time of exposure to the joint is important, but also the degree of stress, as well as their number. Unceasing increased loads, as well as injuries, lead to the destruction of the joint and cartilage, lead to bone deformation.
• Excess weight. In this case, the load on the joints is directly proportional to the number of extra pounds and the degree of human activity.

Which joints are affected first?

Since intervertebral discs, hip, knee and wrist joints are subjected to the greatest load, the first problems arise in them. For example, the cartilaginous tissue of the hands (especially the right one) is affected every day by heavy monotonous work associated with both lifting heavy objects and other actions. The cartilage is gradually destroyed, and it becomes more and more difficult to return it to a healthy state. Similar processes are observed in other joints.

The first signs of joint damage

The development of joint ailments can be seen by a number of symptoms. The most harmless of them is a crunch when moving. Further - worse: pain in the knees, feet and hands, in the lumbar and cervical spine, the inability to quickly straighten up after prolonged work in an inclined position. All these signs are evidence of osteoarthritis.

Over time, the pain does not subside even at rest; in the morning, a person needs some time to “disperse”; in the most advanced cases, you can not do without a cane or walker.

Joint restoration is possible

To regenerate the bone structure, it is enough to take calcium-containing drugs and vitamin D3. And to return a healthy state to cartilage is to restore not only their main tissue, but also the perichondrium. First of all, you should take care of cartilage cells - chondrocytes, remove inflammation from them and block the action of destructive substances. The next step will be to start the repair process in the intercellular substance of the cartilage.

The solution of all these problems is within the power of special medical preparations, which are called chondroprotectors. But high efficiency should be expected from them only in the early stages of the disease, with partial destruction of cartilage tissue. In advanced cases, there will be no positive result from the use of these drugs.

About the types of chondroprotectors

Medicines for restoring joints are divided into several subspecies depending on the active substance, method of exposure, effect, as well as the proportion of certain components in the total volume. Chondroprotectors have shown the greatest effectiveness when used in the early stages of joint diseases.

In advanced cases and with severe pain, combined agents are used, including chondroprotectors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Full recovery is possible only with long courses of taking these drugs.

Chondroprotectors are mandatory for the following ailments:

• osteochondrosis of the spine;
• arthrosis and arthritis of various areas;
• cartilage destruction.

During an exacerbation of these diseases, chondroprotectors are taken along with antibiotics, vitamins, hormones, sedatives, muscle relaxers and vasodilators prescribed by a doctor.

Means based on chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin, being one of the most important glucosamines, is involved in the synthesis of cartilage proteins, recreating its structure and functions. It activates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

By stimulating chondrocyte cells, these drugs promote the most effective regeneration of cartilage and perichondrium compared to other drugs. They quickly return mobility to the joint, reduce pain and other manifestations of osteoarthritis.

This category includes the following funds: "Chondrolon", "Mukosat", "Chondrogard", "Struktum", "Artrin", "Artadol", "Chondroitin-akos". They are available in tablets, capsules and solutions. Designed for long term treatment.

Glucosamine based products

Glucosamine is a constituent of many organic compounds. So, it is the main component of chitin, obtained mainly from the shell of arthropods. Taking medications based on this substance prevents the occurrence of cartilage damage and improves metabolism in it.

This includes such drugs: "Chondroxide maximum", "Don", "Elbona", "Glucosamine sulfate", "Sustilak". These are not only tablets for restoring joints, but also powders, suspensions, solutions for injections, and "Chondroxide maximum" is even available in the form of a cream.

Medicines of animal origin

To create a number of medicines, cartilage and bones of animals are used - for example, calves or inhabitants of the underwater world.

This category includes Rutamol and Biartrin products, which include an extract of bone marrow and cartilage tissue of calves. The presence in the preparations of various components of cartilage not only significantly accelerates the regeneration of the same type of tissue in a patient, but also slows down the process of its aging.

Rutamol and Biartrin are sold exclusively in ampoules, since they are intended only for intramuscular injection. Their analogue, produced on the basis of marine fauna, is Alflutop. Before taking these drugs, you should pay attention to numerous contraindications, the main of which are intolerance to a foreign protein, autoimmune diseases and pregnancy.

Mucopolysaccharides

The action of these drugs is aimed at slowing down the aging process of cartilage and activating the synthesis of synovial fluid, which ultimately relieves stiffness from the joints. This group includes "Arteparon", intended for intramuscular injection and long-term use. In certain cases, mucopolysaccharides are indispensable, but they have many contraindications. Among them are some diseases of the digestive and urinary systems.

Preparations based on several active substances

For a complex effect on the joint, you should seek help from drugs that include both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These are Teraflex, Chondroflex, Artra, Artron Complex, Chondrogluxide, Glucosamine + Chondroitin.

Multicomponent agents are characterized by high efficiency and are also intended for long-term treatment. Most of them are available in the form of tablets and capsules, but certain preparations are intended for topical use - these are ointments and creams (for example, Teraflex M). There are practically no contraindications and side effects.

Combined funds

The course of osteoarthritis in most cases is accompanied by pain. To restore cartilage and simultaneously suppress discomfort, pharmacists have developed complex medicines. They include both cartilage components and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The most popular combination drugs include Artrodar and Teraflex Advance.

Elderly people and people suffering from diseases of the digestive system should take medicines containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory components with great caution. Although the effectiveness of these funds is indisputable, getting rid of joint disease with their help can lead to serious complications in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Nonsteroidal drugs

As follows from the previous description, these drugs are aimed solely at relieving inflammation. Non-steroidal drugs should be taken: in complex therapy if they are not included in the composition of the main drug; in case of acute pain, if necessary, quickly remove inflammation and enhance the effect of analgesics. Available in the form of tablets, solutions, ointments, are part of creams and gels.

At the head of non-steroids is Diclofenac, which is widely used in the treatment of diseases of the intervertebral discs, knee and hip joints. The category of highly effective means includes "Voltaren" and "Diklak".

This category also includes funds intended not only for the treatment of joint pathologies, but also for other problems of the musculoskeletal system. These are Indomethacin, Nimeluside, Ketoprofen. Separately, Ibuprofen should be singled out, the main advantage of which is that it has no contraindications, that is, it is prescribed for children, pregnant women, etc. Its relatively harmless counterparts are Nurofen and Reumatin.

Medicines based on hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most important components of the synovial fluid, since it is it that is the lubricant. Any drug for restoring joints, produced on its basis, is injected into the joint. Thanks to this, it works as quickly as possible. Treatment is carried out in courses, the duration of which depends on the severity of the disease. After 6 - 12 months, therapy is repeated.

Contraindications include: the presence of severe inflammation in the joints, dermatological ailments and childhood. Since hyaluronic acid must be injected into the joint, treatment is impossible without the participation of an orthopedic traumatologist.

Homeopathic preparations

The main advantage of using homeopathic remedies is their absolute harmlessness and the complete absence of side effects and contraindications. They can be used by pregnant women, children and nursing mothers. An exception is only the individual intolerance of the body of certain components of the drug. Treatment with homeopathic remedies takes a long time, but leads to a lasting effect. The best drugs in this category are "Traumeel S" and "Tsel T". They have a complex effect on the joint: relieve inflammation and pain, restore its mobility. Available in the form of tablets, solution and gel.

Products containing collagen

A significant part of the preparations produced on the basis of collagen are dietary supplements. One of the most popular of them is Collagen Ultra. A great effect from taking this dietary supplement has not yet been noticed, as well as negative side effects.

Which of the above drugs to choose - everyone must decide for himself. Here, you need to take into account the recommendations of the doctor, the individual characteristics of the body, as well as your material capabilities. In parallel, it is worth taking care of proper nutrition. But the most important thing in the event of joint diseases is to start treatment in a timely manner, since even a slight delay can lead to irreversible changes.

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 functioning 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 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!

Unfortunately, today about 80% of the entire population of the planet after 45 years of age has diseases associated with the cartilage tissue of the spine and joints.

In addition to the age factor, athletes are actively exposed to the risk of cartilage diseases due to constant physical exertion and training.

Namely, the condition of the cartilaginous tissue very often makes many talented athletes put an end to their sports future.

Features of the structure of cartilage tissue

Cartilage is a flexible tissue that is a type of connective tissue. The main function that it performs is the support function.

Cartilage is made up of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and an intercellular substance called matrix. The matrix makes up the bulk of the cartilage mass.

Vertebral cartilages have a perichondrium. It is responsible for the growth and nutrition of the cartilage itself.

The articular cartilage does not have such a part. Inside the joint there is a synovial fluid, it is with it that the cartilage comes into contact, receiving nourishment and impetus for growth from it.

Depending on the location and properties, cartilage tissue is divided into three groups:

A feature of all three types of cartilage tissue is that they contain a very small number of chondrocytes, due to which the cartilage grows and renews.

Cartilage renewal and restoration

Since pressure and friction forces constantly act on cartilage tissue, it naturally ages with age.

As a result of the aging process, the following diseases can develop:

The treatment of these diseases is quite difficult and, as a rule, gives temporary, not very long-term relief.

The regeneration of cartilage tissue is discussed precisely in the treatment of the most complex diseases of the joints and spine.

Regeneration (reproduction, restoration) of cartilage tissue - is the creation of new cells (chondrocytes), instead of old damaged ones.

Undoubtedly, regeneration is the most important process that is characteristic of all tissues. In the case of cartilage, self-regeneration occurs by a maximum of 50%. Those. complete restoration of cartilage cannot be expected.

It is also worth noting that the physiological regeneration of cartilage can last up to 10 years. This is a very long period.

How can cartilage regenerate?

Renewal and restoration of cartilage tissue can occur due to such elements:

1. The perichondrium contains chondroblasts. They produce chondrin, which is converted into mature cells - chondrocytes.
2. Synovial fluid can transform into cartilage-like tissue during joint injuries.
3. Bone tissue can also turn into a kind of cartilage tissue.
4. Bone marrow cells during bone damage can also pass into cartilage tissue.

Thus, the serious is very dangerous, as it is practically incurable. This is due to the very low metabolic activity of cartilage.

Pharmacological agents used to form chondrocytes

Today, there are a lot of products that can be designed for the regeneration of cartilage tissue. These include:

1. Adrenalin. Its use in small doses daily has an anabolic effect on cartilage tissue. Not addictive.
2. Polyvinylpyrrolidone solution (15%). It is introduced into the joint, improving the friction of the internal surfaces. Due to this, the load on the cartilage itself is reduced.
3. Anabolic steroid. Cause increased physiological regeneration.
4. Somatotropic hormone + thyrocalcitonin. Causes division of chondrocytes.
5. hydrocortisone and prednisone. Administered by ultrasound and electrophoresis.

The use of the above drugs for their own purposes is very dangerous. They have very strong side effects, and a high probability of overdose with the appearance of severe complications. Consultation with a doctor is required before taking these drugs.

In addition to medicines, it is widely used. This operation is performed on the knee joints, where the cartilage does not fuse at all during injuries. With the help of fiber optics, you can look inside the joint and perform surgery there. This happens without opening the joint itself.

Naturally, with serious injuries, nutrition is not a treatment to restore cartilage tissue.

But information about what foods should be in the diet to maintain the elasticity of cartilage is very useful for those who are constantly involved in sports or heavy physical exertion.

List of products containing mucopolysaccharides (they are responsible for the synthesis of cartilage tissue):

• Aspic
• Jellied fish
• Rich broths
• Kiseli
• fruit jellies
• Seafood
• Sea fish
• Milk products
• Raw vegetables

Doctors believe that following the rules of a healthy diet and the mandatory presence of the above products in the daily diet is the best nutritious cocktail for cartilage tissue.