Restoration of cartilaginous tissue of the joints: methods and methods. All cartilage tissue, the cause of its destruction and preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue. Proper diet to support healthy cartilage.

Cartilage restoration – how is it possible?

Cartilage tissue – a type of connective tissue – consists of specific cells, chondrocytes, and a matrix, i.e., intercellular substance. It protects the vertebrae and bones of a person from abrasion and provides us with flexibility of movement. But it is not eternal and needs to be restored.

Restoration of cartilage tissue is not a quick process, but quite real. The sooner you start taking action, the greater the chance of recovery.

Compared to other tissues of the body, cartilage restoration has its own characteristics:

• it lacks blood vessels (i.e., its cells are nourished by diffusion, through direct contact with the “nourishing” joint lubrication);
• cartilage tissue cells consist mainly of collagen (a protein that is synthesized by the body at high cost) and natural polymers (chondroitin sulfate and others), which give it the necessary rigidity, firmness and elasticity;
• there are no nerve endings in the cartilage tissue, so it does not “hurt” – cartilage pathologies make themselves felt only when periarticular tissues are involved in the inflammatory process;
• chondrocytes divide very slowly (especially over the age of 25-30 years, when the active growth phase ends), so the restoration of cartilage tissue is a long process that takes more than one month.

Why is cartilage needed in joints?

Cartilage tissue forms synovial lining of joints – exactly the sliding coating, thanks to which the heads of the bones glide so easily in the articular bags. If the natural restoration of cartilage is insufficient, the bones begin to rub against each other, which leads to the erasure of subchondral areas, microtrauma and fractures. Without cartilage, we would dramatically lose the ability to walk, make small movements with our fingers, bend at the back, or even just turn our heads. It is these processes that occur with patients who suffer from degenerative-dystrophic processes in cartilage tissue.

What are the causes of cartilage destruction?

The main reason for the destruction of cartilage is a decrease in the quality of synovial fluid – a natural lubricant that protects the joint from excessive friction and provides it with nutrition. After all, there are no blood vessels in cartilage, but only “pores” that are saturated with articular lubrication. So, degenerative processes in cartilage can start:

• inadequate production of joint lubrication (even with a physiologically normal amount of lubrication, it may not be enough due to increased loads on the joint);
• nutritional deficiencies in synovial fluid (for example, due to a poor diet or poor tissue nutrition);
• lack of conditions for the circulation of joint fluid (a sedentary lifestyle, immobilization of a limb after an injury) – after all, in order for it to wash the joint, it must be alternately in a state of loading and rest;
• insufficient consumption of clean drinking water and, as a result, chronic dehydration – cartilage, which is 70-80% water, loses its elasticity and begins to crack.

In the event of an injury, overexertion without rest, or, more rarely, a systemic disease (metabolic or autoimmune), the nutrition of the periarticular tissues is disrupted. Due to inflammation, nutrients cease to flow normally into the synovial fluid, due to which its production and quality suffer, the restoration of cartilage tissue slows down or stops. The cartilage is starving. When a limb is immobilized after an injury, there is no circulation of the synovial fluid at all. Because of this, the cartilage tissue loses its shock-absorbing properties, begins to break down and become thinner. That is why after an injury it is important to properly dose the load, receive proper anti-inflammatory treatment, drugs to restore cartilage tissue and supportive therapy.

In addition to improper diet, physical inactivity and trauma, cartilage destruction can cause:

• infectious diseases, especially chronic ones;
• endocrine disorders;
• chronic stress and lack of sleep;
• difficult working conditions;
• congenital or acquired anomalies of the musculoskeletal system;
• hypothermia or overheating;
• age-related changes;
• overweight;
• bad habits;
• genetic background.

What are the consequences of cartilage destruction?

The loss of hyaline cartilage and, as a result, freedom of movement in the joint, is associated with a change in the density and elasticity of cartilage tissue. The consequence of this process is arthritis, arthrosis and other degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which require lifelong medication to restore the cartilaginous tissue of the joints.

With thinning of the cartilage lining, the joint begins to deform and assume an unnatural position. Bones and adjacent tissues are injured and rub against each other, leading to inflammation, the appearance of microcracks and bone outgrowths.

Cartilage damage or wear leads to:

• reduced range of motion in the joint (for example, the arm is not fully flexed);
• severe pain that may not subside even at rest and worsen “for the weather” or after physical activity
• chronic inflammatory process with deterioration of sleep and appetite, loss of muscle mass due to atrophy, decreased immunity;
• in advanced cases, complete contracture with joint fusion is possible, as well as disability, when the patient cannot take care of himself even at home;
• ухудшению качества жизни и эмоционального статуса больного из-за боли и ограничений подвижности.

Поскольку хрящевая ткань практически не способна на самовосстановление, даже небольшие повреждения нужно лечить сразу – например, принимая хондропротекторы для восстановления хрящевой ткани. Иначе эрозия будет усугубляться вплоть до полного истирания хряща и обнажения костной поверхности.

Как запустить восстановление хрящевой ткани суставов?

При своевременно начатом лечении используются консервативные методики восстановления хрящевой ткани суставов. К ним относится:

• лечение хондропротекторами;
• массаж (классический лечебный, гидромассаж, лимфодренажный, вакуумный, самомассаж);
• physiotherapy;
• прием витаминов (минимум 2 раза в год, в осенне-весенний период), гомеопатических средств и корректоров микроциркуляции крови;
• swimming;
• physiotherapy;
• инъекционная терапия (внутрисуставное введение препаратов гиалуроновой кислоты, обогащенной тромбоцитами плазмы, Ортокина);
• использование ортезов (ортопедических бандажей, корсетов, стелек, а также ортопедической мебели, рюкзаков и прочего).

Также важно исключить привычки, которые усиливают ее разрушение:

• пристрастие к табаку и алкоголю;
• избыточное потребление кофе (в особенности, декофеинизированного);
• переедание или питание 1-2 раза в день;
• недосыпание;
• склонность к сладким и соленым блюдам;
• самолечение инфекционных заболеваний и травм;
• неумеренные занятия спортом;
• привычку одеваться не по погоде.

Если хрящ не подлежит естественному восстановлению, помимо приема хондропротекторов для восстановления хрящевой ткани, рекомендовано хирургическое лечение – например, артроскопический дебридмент (очистка и шлифовка хряща), артроскопическая микрофрактура (создание отверстий для притока крови с факторами роста), костно-хрящевая трансплантация (пересадка собственного хряща больного с ненагруженного участка сустава), трансплантация культур хондроцитов, выращенных лабораторно из фрагмента здорового хряща, и другие.

Какие препараты для восстановления хрящевой ткани рекомендуют врачи?

Лекарства для восстановления хрящевой ткани суставов выпускают в виде таблеток, капсул, саше (порошков), инъекций, мазей, гелей и кремов.
Какие же препараты для восстановления хрящевой ткани наиболее эффективны? Зависит от стадии заболевания, пораженного сустава и индивидуальных особенностей организма. Инъекции обладают наивысшей биодоступностью, но могут быть травматичны. Поэтому большинство пациентов предпочитает саше и таблетки.

Обратите внимание: все лекарства для восстановления хрящевой ткани позвоночника и суставов нужно принимать длительно и систематически. Первые заметные улучшения могут появиться только через несколько месяцев приема – это связано с медленным метаболизмом хряща.

Хондропротекторные препараты для восстановления хрящевой ткани суставов

To restore cartilage tissue, “building material” is needed – special proteins and natural polymers that provide strength and functionality of synovial cartilage. Since there are very few of them in the diet of a modern person, chondroprotectors come to the rescue to restore cartilage tissue.

These drugs require life-long intake in long courses (from 3 months), but they are able to completely restore minor damage to the cartilage surface, facilitate recovery from cartilage tissue injuries, slow down the progression of arthritis and arthrosis, and protect bones and joints.

Chondroprotectors in sachets are the most convenient for restoring cartilage tissue – for example, Artrakam. The sachet contains a dose of powder for a single dose (this medicine for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the spine and joints is taken 1 time per day). This is quite convenient, because. you don’t have to carry a whole blister to work, or even a jar of pills. At the same time, the bioavailability of glucosamine sulfate in powder to arthrache is 90-95%, practically not inferior to injections.

As chondroprotectors for the restoration of cartilage tissue, they have proven themselves well:

• artrakam;
• structum;
• chondramin;
• chondrogluxide;
• movex;
• arthra chondroitin;
• artradol;
• chondroguard.

These preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue can be used not only for treatment, but also for prevention.

Metabolism correctors and homeopathic medicines for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints

The pharmaceutical group of homeopathic remedies includes preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue with both proven and unproven efficacy. Therefore, the choice of these drugs should be approached carefully, focusing on the recommendations of the doctor. Of greatest interest for the restoration of cartilage tissue are bioregulatory anti-inflammatory and relaxing agents of plant, animal and mineral origin, as well as external warming and locally irritating preparations.

• traumeel (lozenges and gel);
• target T (tablets);
• bischofite (compresses);
• tinctures and ointments based on the fruits of capsicum;
• Horse Force for joints (balm);
• toadstone (balm with toad extract).

The correctors of the metabolism of cartilage and bone tissue, in addition to chondroprotectors based on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, also include reparative drugs such as:

• piascledin;
• adgelon;
• vitreous body;
• Super Calcium;
• tridine;
• alendronic acid preparations (for example, osterepar);
• others.

These medicines for restoring the cartilaginous tissue of the spine and joints do not replace the passage of full-fledged therapy.

Angioprotective drugs for the restoration of cartilage tissue

Angioprotectors and correctors of blood microcirculation strengthen capillary walls, improve nutrition and restoration of cartilage tissue.Everyone knows that there are no blood vessels in the cartilage itself. However, their dense network permeates the perichondrium (perichondria), which is responsible for the division of chondrocytes, the growth and repair of cartilage tissue in case of damage. It is from the blood of the perichondria that it receives the nutrients so necessary for the restoration of the cartilage tissue of the joints.

It is also important to strengthen the circulatory system in order to avoid fragility of blood vessels and hemorrhages in the joint cavity. Rupture of the capillary can provoke even a harmless, at first glance, bruise. And with blood, infectious pathogens can enter the joint, which will begin to destroy cartilage tissue. This is especially dangerous for those patients who suffer from chronic foci of infection in the body – tonsillitis, caries, cholecystitis, rhinosinusitis, intestinal dysbiosis and others.

Therefore, as auxiliary drugs for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints, doctors prescribe:

• pentoxifylline (trental);
• horse chestnut extract (escusan);
• troxerutin;
• troxevasin;
• cinnarizine;
• detralex;
• angionorm;
• cavinton;
• betahistine (tagysta).

Synovial fluid prostheses

If foci of erosion have already appeared on the cartilage, and there is not enough synovial fluid in the joint, lubricating prostheses are required for the normal sliding of the cartilage. They allow the surface of the cartilage to rest and recover. Such preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints are injected directly into the articular bag of each affected joint. They are used mainly for the treatment of large joints. Among the replacement drugs for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints are:

• synvisc;
• fermatron;
• synokrom;
• suplasin;
• ripart;
• duralan;
• giruan;
• hyalripier.

Are there products for restoring cartilage in joints?

Products for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints are selected based on 3 criteria:

• the content of collagen, glycosaminoglycans and other components that are used directly to build cartilage cells and matrix;
• the content of vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as essential amino acids – they protect cell membranes from free radicals and prevent the destruction of chondrocytes;
• the content of other vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of cartilage tissue and the removal of local inflammation – B vitamins, sulfur, selenium, zinc and others.

Jellies from meat and fish have great potential for restoring the cartilaginous tissue of the joints. Bone broths contain the so-called. chondrin is a jelly-like substance rich in collagen, which forms the matrix of cartilage tissue. Other dishes with gelatin are also rich in them – aspic, jelly desserts.

Since the restoration of cartilage tissue is unthinkable without protein as a building material, the following must be present in the diet:

• lean dietary meat – preferably poultry, rabbit or game;
• fish, especially from the northern seas, rich in essential fatty acids;
• eggs;
• milk products.

As vegetable protein supplements, you can use cereals from germinated wheat, spirulina, tofu, soy milk.

Products for the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joints with a rich antioxidant and vitamin-mineral composition include:

• all berries (blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, black and red currants, sea buckthorn, wild rose, mountain ash, blueberries, dogwood, cherries, cherries, grapes with stones, strawberries, viburnum);

• tropical fruits (all citrus fruits, pineapples, kiwi, passion fruit, guava, mango and others);
• fruits and dried fruits (apricots, plums, prunes, dried apricots);
• vegetables (red cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, artichokes, beets);
• dark chocolate and cocoa;
• tea (especially green) and high-quality coffee;
• red wine (cahors and the like);
• nuts;
• beans;
• fish oil and seafood;
• vegetable oils;
• liver.

These foods are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B, C, E, lycopene, polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins, as well as zinc, iron, sulfur, magnesium and other components important for joint health.

Maintain a varied menu and an active lifestyle, drink medicines to restore cartilage tissue of the joints and do not get sick!