What is Osteoarthritis
The name osteoarthritis (OA) comes from the combinations of the word osteo, which means anything related to the bone, and arthritis which means inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that can affect and cause chronic pain to any joint in the human body. Most notably at the hands, knee, hips, and spine. While OA can be limited to a single joint, in many cases it progresses to involve other joints.
A joint is the term for where two bones meet. The joint allows movement and flexibility of various parts of the body. The cartilage is a hard, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones. The main structural protein in the cartilage is the Type II Collagen, where the collagen contributes about 60% of the dry weight of the articular cartilage. This firm, rubbery material cushions the ends of the bones and reduces friction in healthy joints. Between the cartilage of two bones which form a joint, there is a small amount of thick fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid which is made by the hyaluronic acid, lubricates the joint, which allows smooth movement between the bones.
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems when moving the joints. As OA worsens over time, bones may break down and develop abnormal bone growth called spurs. Bits of bone or cartilage may chip off and float around in the joint. This causes an inflammatory process to occur where cytokines and enzymes develop that further damages the cartilage. In the final stages of OA, the cartilage wears away and the bone rubs against bone, worsening the condition.
What is Osteoarthritis
The name osteoarthritis (OA) comes from the combinations of the word osteo, which means anything related to the bone, and arthritis which means inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that can affect and cause chronic pain to any joint in the human body. Most notably at the hands, knee, hips, and spine. While OA can be limited to a single joint, in many cases it progresses to involve other joints.
A joint is the term for where two bones meet. The joint allows movement and flexibility of various parts of the body. The cartilage is a hard, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones. The main structural protein in the cartilage is the Type II Collagen, where the collagen contributes about 60% of the dry weight of the articular cartilage. This firm, rubbery material cushions the ends of the bones and reduces friction in healthy joints. Between the cartilage of two bones which form a joint, there is a small amount of thick fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid which is made by the hyaluronic acid, lubricates the joint, which allows smooth movement between the bones.
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems when moving the joints. As OA worsens over time, bones may break down and develop abnormal bone growth called spurs. Bits of bone or cartilage may chip off and float around in the joint. This causes an inflammatory process to occur where cytokines and enzymes develop that further damages the cartilage. In the final stages of OA, the cartilage wears away and the bone rubs against bone, worsening the condition.
Factor Causing OA
OA usually happens gradually over time. Although osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65, OA can still occur in people of all ages. . Some risk factors might include:
Being overweight
Getting older
Joint injury
Joints that are not properly formed
A genetic defect in joint cartilage
Stresses on the joints from certain jobs and playing sports
Method to Dignosed the Osteoarthritis
No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. Most healthcare professionals use several methods to diagnose the disease and rule out other problems
Medical History
Physical Exam
X Rays
Other tests such as blood tests or exams of the fluid in the joints.
How is Osteoarthritis Treated?
Doctors and / or pharmacists often combine treatments to fit a patient's needs, lifestyle, and health. Osteoarthritis treatment plans can involve:
Innovative Ingredients for Osteoarthritis Therapy
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is the chief component of synovial fluids. One of the most important roles played by hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluids is to increase viscosity and reduce friction between articular surfaces, its function just like a lubricant, thus ensuring a proper functioning of the joint (smooth, without friction and cushioned).
Undenatured Type II Collagen
Undenatured type II collagen is a dietary ingredient that promotes healthy joints and increases joint mobility and flexibility. The undenatured type II collagen taken from the chicken’s sternum cartilage works with the immune system to reduce inflammation and restore cartilage by reducing circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, potentially serving to decrease both the incidence and the severity of arthritis. Extensive research and clinical studies have shown that undenatured type II collagen to be both safe and effective in supporting joint health.
Difference Between Undenatured and Denatured / Hydrolysed Type II Collagen
Undenatured type II collagen is not to be mistaken with denatured / hydrolysed type II collagen. Although they are both extracted from the same source, which is the chicken sternum, the efficacy level between them may be different. Undenatured type II collagen is made using little to no heat and very limited processing, just enough to concentrate the collagen and make it soluble. This manufacturing process ensures that the collagen remains biologically active in its most native form, with its immunomodulating ability intact.
The clinically proven of oral hyaluronic acid and undenatured type II collagen supports significant joint health benefits:
- In clinical studies, undenatured type II collagen is TWO to THREE TIMES more effective than glucosamine plus chondroitin in relieving knee pain and promoting complete joint health.
- Patients given undenatured type II collagen noticed improvement in symptoms after only 1-month and were less likely than glucosamine plus chondroitin to use rescue medications i.e. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) therapy.
- Undenatured type II collagen has shown to improve quality of life. It significantly decreases pain during daily activities, such as walking on a flat surface, performing heavy domestic duties, ascending stairs and while resting in bed.
- Oral hyaluronic acid provides improvements in muscle strength and performance.
- Oral hyaluronic acid has been studied that it exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the joint discomfort and synovial effusion (an excess of synovial fluid in a joint).
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia, or also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. The tree is native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. It possesses superior efficacy as an anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protective, and as an anti-osteoarthritic agent.
Boswellia Serrata is used to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses as well as a number of other health conditions. It functions by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme. Inhibiting this enzyme can help prevent the formation of leukotrienes (molecules that are identified as the cause of inflammation) in the body. Studies has shown that Boswellia Serrata works fast (i.e. within 5 days) for relieving osteoarthritis symptoms.
This is for educational purposes only. Kindly consult healthcare professionals for further information.