Joints and bones

Joints, bones, muscles and tendons are part of our locomotor system. All these “components” together determine the size and shape of our body, and they are responsible for our mobility and upright gait.

Our skeleton consists of about 212 to 220 bones of different shape, size and load capability. However, bodily movements are not performed by the bones themselves, but at the connecting points, i.e. the joints. The boundary surface between two bones is covered by articular cartilage to prevent the surfaces of our joints from rubbing against one another when movements are made. This protecting cartilage layer is firmly attached to the bone and, in view of its ability to retain water, can be compared with a buffer or a shock absorber.

During our lifetime, our joints are subjected to extreme conditions and are exposed to great wear which may cause osteoarthritis (joint degeneration). Osteoarthritis can affect every joint, with the spinal column, hip, knee, hand and foot joints being afflicted most often. Osteoarthritis has many causes. The personal lifestyle plays a role, but there also are physical factors, such as an abnormal position of the legs, continuous (e.g. extremely unilateral) overloading, excess body weight, or injuries. Osteoarthritis is often associated with pain, stiffness and limited mobility. The rheumatoid joint diseases are a different type of ailment, with inflammation of the affected joints as the principal factor, in contrast to osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis (bone atrophy) also is a disease affecting our locomotor system. Besides joint-friendly, moderate endurance sports, e.g. swimming or walking, well-balanced nutrition will also contribute to healthy joints and bones.

In addition to drug therapy for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, complementary dietary treatment with the appropriate Orthomol products is also possible: Orthomol Arthro plus for the dietary management of osteoarthritic joint changes, Orthomol Rheumat for the dietary management of rheumatoid arthritis, and Orthomol Osteo for the dietary management of osteoporosis.