What smooth, elastic material covers the ends of our 206 bones?
It’s the cartilage.
What is cartilage?
Cartilage, which is a living tissue that grows, breaks down, and repairs itself, can under normal circumstances maintain an equal rate of decay and repair with the help of its only cell, called “chondrocytes”. It has no blood supply or nerves, and gets its nutrition and oxygen from joint fluid. It is formed from two main materials called
“collagen” and “proteoglycans” (PGs) which attract water molecules.
Pressure from body weight compresses the cartilage and squeezes out some of the trapped water onto the surface. This thin film of water and waste lubricates the two cartilages so they do not rub against each other and gives our joints flexibility. When the pressure is relieved, the cartilage springs back to its original shape, sucking back water along with oxygen and nutrients into the joint fluid. Unfortunately, excessive biomechanical stress can cause an imbalance in the decay/repair process, making the chondrocytes unable to keep up with cumulative damage. Cartilages are cracked,
Introduction filled with tiny fissures and decrease elasticity. Thus, the insidious
development of osteoarthritis occurs.
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A deep dive into musculoskeletal pain…
In this book, Dr. Tsai aims to offer readers a wider and deeper view of osteoarthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, and osteoporosis. Musculoskeletal pain is very common, but often misdiagnosed, and, therefore, treatment can be misguided. Not all pain should be dismissed as osteoarthritis, as several other conditions exist that may be the source of pain. To clarify the subtleties of this issue to readers and health providers, Dr. Tsai grouped the chapters anatomically and emphasized the similarities and differences of their symptoms, unique locations, and different treatment options. The main goal of this book is to help prevent patients and healthcare providers from being misguided by relying on X-ray, CT scan, and MRI findings alone.
This book is broken into three parts:
Part 1 focuses on the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatism. Topics are organized anatomically, discussing OA and soft tissue rheumatism in various sections of the body.
Part 2 lists some treatment options for osteoarthritis, including pharmacological treatments, dietary supplements, exercise, and regenerative treatments.
Part 3 discusses osteoporosis, going through causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Osteoarthritis, Soft Tissue Rheumatism, & Osteoporosis was written to be easily read by anyone, no matter their level of medical knowledge. Additionally, several illustrations are included to help visualize concepts and make them easier to grasp.
This book can be purchased online as an eBook or as a physical copy at our main office at the checkout desk or over the phone.