Understanding What Joints Are

If you want to understand the problems associated with your joints, you need to know what it is and how it functions. What is a joint? It is any area in the boy where 2 bones meet each other. We have over two hundred six bones in our body and each of them is connected with each other with over one hundred fifty joints. This fact alone provides us amazing flexibility as well as range of motion. The area between the ends of bones allows them from grinding with each other and wearing down with each other. The joint is wrapped by a capsule which has a special lining called the synovium or synovial membrane. This produces a glossy and slippery liquid called synovial fluid which fills the spaces in between the ends of the bones.

Bones are also essential for the understanding of joints since they are the very things connected by them. Bones are practically living tissues which are porous and very hard. It has nerves and a blood supply that is regularly rebuilt and provides adequate support to our body’s structure. Cartilages too are essential parts of the body.

They are the very things that form like a cap at the end of every bone. It is tough and slick and rubbery. It is 8 times as slippery as ice and absorbs more shock than tire or car springs. Thus, it is indeed a fact that the cartilage is the ultimate cushion of the joints and bones. It also provides smooth movement to the bones. Cartilages are very much important for our joints to function effectively especially when it comes to bearing weight just like the knee. Our cartilage is made up of sixty five percent to eighty five percent water.

Tendons are what attach the muscles to the bones. These are fibrous and flexible tissues. They also help providing stability to the joints. Ligaments too are important aspects to discuss since they are the ones that bind joints together. The bursae are what supplement some joints. These are tiny sacs that are filled with fluid and these aids in cushioning the joints to minimize friction.

Arthritis happens when any of the parts mentioned above do not function well or are not produced adequately. Arthritis happens when our body’s joints are swollen or are inflamed. This lead to the breakdown of a cartilage in the affected joint. When a cartilage breaks down in joints, the end of both bones rub together producing pain and leading to stiffness and swelling. This is why anyone who suspects to have joint paint has to go to the doctor immediately in order for the symptoms to be treated and managed well.

More: How to Relieve Pain in Arthritis?