We all know or have someone who has or had a knee cartilage problem. It is a pretty common thing, especially among elderly people and athletes. Since it is a connective tissue that can be found all across our bodies, there is a high probability that you can suffer from some sort of cartilage problems. Its purpose is to connect joints, hips, knees, ankles, and elbows, basically every bone that moves. It enables bones to slide one over another and provides shock absorption. Although it is tough and flexible, it is easy to damage.
Some of the main reasons are, sport injuries of course, and probably the most common one along with gradual wearing of (common with elderly people) and tearing (osteoarthritis). People who have a genetical predisposition, tend to wear them of earlier than others.
Source: medicalnewstoday
Minor injuries tend to heal themselves over time, but major ones require surgeries or physiotherapy treatment.
Symptoms are joint pain or swelling, stiffness, clicking sensation, and joint locking. But of course, you should look for a X-Ray or MRI scan for a more elaborate Clinique picture.
If it’s a minor one, then you should rest your joints, swallow some painkillers and elevate your knee with an ice pack on it. But if it is a major one, then it requires surgery, depending on the level of severity. They may drill small holes in nearby bones to initiate a faster revitalization, replace old with healthy ones, or replace an entire joint with an artificial one.
Since nobody likes being immobilized and paying a small fortune on drugs that don’t help too much, if you are having a minor or major problem, here are some healthy natural ways to repair your cartilage.
Fighting inflammation
Inflammation is the main source of collagen which breaks down the cartilage, so you better fight it off. Legumes, like beans peas and peanuts, are an effective option for its anti-inflammatory properties and it replenishes collagen that rebuilds cartilage, and they also have lysine amino-acid, critical for its regeneration. For collagen to be made, your body needs Vitamin C, so you better include Oranges, Lemons, Spinach and other Vitamin C rich food. As well as Pomegranates, which are known for its antioxidant properties, and helps the body to produce substances that protect cartilage.
Source: futermanpartners.com
Antioxidants and other supplements
If you want a healthy lifestyle in general, you should include Green Tea in your diet. Aside for its numerous health benefits, some of it still being uncovered, compounds in it like catechins and polyphenols protect and restore cartilage. And green tea is known as a powerful antioxidant and may help in pain relief.
Brown rice, carrots, beef, and pumpkin seeds are rich in hyaluronic acids. This one acts as a lubricant for joints and a shock absorber and is great in confronting Osteoarthritis. So if you get all of the hyaluronic acid from food, you may want to maximize the income from it by adding magnesium to your diet. Magnesium helps your body absorb as much as possible from the food you take in (so its good for other supplements as well). Brazil, sesame, and almond nuts are a rich source, as well as bananas and dark chocolate.
Calcium and Vitamin E are essential for bones and joints. If you’re looking for calcium, drink milk, or soy milk, eat broccoli and almond. Vitamin E and Omega oils can be found in olive oil or by eating fish.
Vitamin D is essential for pain relief, but for that one, you should probably relax and sunbathe.
Alternatives.
If you can’t stick to a diet, you may try some supplements for knee cartilage repair. Like ProJoint Plus and Dona. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It contains Boswellia extract, Turmeric, Bromelain Methionine. And the two most important ones are Chondroitin sulfate for regeneration and growth, which is actually produced in our organism but deteriorates over time and Glucosamine Sulfate. These two including other nutrients make it one of the best on the market.
In conclusion, whether you want to start with a diet or try with supplements, you should at first consult your doctor or pharmacist. We hope that this list helps you if you have problems, or if you want to help someone close to you.
