Joints are vital components of the human body, acting as the connections between your bones and enabling a wide range of motion and flexibility. They allow you to walk, run, bend, lift and perform countless other everyday tasks. But how do joints work, what makes them healthy and what happens when they become unhealthy or painful? Let’s explore the anatomy of joints, what keeps them functioning optimally and the truth behind some common concerns.
What Are Joints?
Joints are the places in our bodies where two or more bones meet, and they are supported by a combination of cartilage, ligaments, tendons and synovial fluid. There are three main types of joints in the body, including:
FIBROUS JOINTS – These joints are made up of a thick connective tissue that’s tightly woven together like fiber and not very flexible.
CARTILAGINOUS JOINTS – These joints are cushioned by a layer of cartilage that joins bones together. The joints have some movement, but it is very limited.
SYNOVIAL JOINTS – The joints have the most freedom to move and are made of a cavity in one bone that another bone fits into. The six types of synovial joints include hinge joints, ball and socket joints, condyloid joints, pivot joints, planar joints and saddle joints. (Source: Cleveland Clinic )
Each synovial joint is covered with cartilage, a smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions the bones and reduces friction during movement. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold the bones together and provide stability, while tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Finally, a synovial membrane — a fluid-filled sac that lubricates and protects the joint — lines the space between the bones and ensures smooth and painless motion.
What Makes a Healthy Joint?
A healthy joint is one that functions smoothly and without pain. In an ideal state, the cartilage is intact and cushioning the bones, the synovial membrane is adequately lubricating the joint, and the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the joint are strong and flexible. Maintaining healthy joints depends on several factors, but here are three important things you can start doing today:
• MAINTAIN A BALANCED DIET– including nutrients like vitamin D and calcium for bone strength and omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation.
• KEEP A GOOD POSTURE: to prevent unnecessary stress on joints during daily activities.
• EXERCISE ROUTINELY to keep muscles and ligaments strong and flexible.
How Can Joints Become Unhealthy?
A common myth surrounding joint health is that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis or other joint issues. Fortunately, research conducted by Harvard Health has shown that — generally speaking — cracking knuckles does not cause joint pain or any or long-term damage. However, excessive or forceful cracking can strain the ligaments surrounding the joint, which can be problematic on its own.
Joints can become unhealthy due to a variety of reasons, including injury, overuse or degenerative conditions like arthritis. When cartilage wears down, the bones in the joint begin
to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness and inflammation. This condition, known as osteoarthritis, is one of the most common causes of joint pain, particularly in older adults. There are several other conditions that can lead to joint pain, including but not limited to bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, seek consultation and assistance from an orthopedic doctor or a rheumatologist.
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