Joints
Where bones meet. Joints enable movement but take tremendous stress. Cartilage cushions, synovial fluid lubricates, and collagen provides structure. Joint degeneration is common but not inevitable— inflammation control, nutrients, and movement matter.
Joint Structure
Cartilage
Smooth cushioning. No blood supply. Nutrients from synovial fluid. Doesn't regenerate easily.
Synovial Fluid
Joint lubricant. Feeds cartilage. Movement pumps it in. Stiffness from inactivity.
Ligaments
Bone to bone. Stability. Collagen-based. Slow to heal.
Tendons
Muscle to bone. Force transmission. Prone to overuse injury.
Joint Capsule
Encloses joint. Contains synovial fluid. Can become inflamed.
Common Joint Issues
Osteoarthritis
Wear and tear. Cartilage breakdown. Most common form. Inflammation involved.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune. Immune attacks joints. Systemic inflammation. Different treatment.
Gout
Uric acid crystals. Severe pain. Diet-related. Often big toe.
Bursitis
Inflamed bursa. Repetitive motion. Shoulder, elbow, hip common.
Tendinitis
Tendon inflammation. Overuse injury. Tennis elbow, Achilles common.
Supporting Joint Health
Movement
Motion is lotion. Pumps nutrients into cartilage. Low-impact exercise.
Collagen
Type II for cartilage. Hydrolyzed collagen. 10g daily. Bone broth source.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Cartilage building blocks. Mixed evidence. Works for some. 1500mg/1200mg.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Reduce inflammation. Fish oil 2-3g. Resolves joint pain studies.
Vitamin C
Essential for collagen synthesis. Antioxidant. 500-1000mg daily.
Weight Management
Less load on joints. Each pound = 4 lbs on knees. Significant impact.