The orthopedist called the loss of cartilage elasticity a sign of impaired collagen synthesis.

Loss of cartilage elasticity can be a sign of a serious violation of collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen, being a key structural component, accounts for up to 60-70% of the dry weight of cartilage tissue and is responsible for its strength, elasticity and ability to withstand stress. On August 29, Alexander Shelepov, a traumatologist and orthopedist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about this.

According to the expert, this condition requires special attention, as it underlies many degenerative processes of the musculoskeletal system and is not just an age-related norm.

Among the factors that disrupt collagen synthesis, the specialist identified age-related changes that occur after the age of 30, a lack of critically important vitamins and trace elements such as vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese, as well as hormonal disorders, including estrogen deficiency. Chronic inflammatory processes, genetic pathologies, an unhealthy lifestyle with high sugar consumption and smoking, as well as metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity, cause significant damage.

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"The main symptoms that signal a loss of cartilage elasticity are morning stiffness in the joints, a feeling of crunching or clicking when moving, pain during exertion, decreased range of motion, swelling after activity and general fatigue when walking. In everyday life, this can lead to a forced abandonment of habitual activity, long walks and sports, which exacerbates the condition with physical inactivity," the doctor warned.

This condition is directly related to the risk of developing early-stage osteoarthritis, connective tissue dysplasia, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic arthropathies, and post-traumatic changes. To diagnose problems with collagen and cartilage tissue, a comprehensive approach is needed, including clinical examination, instrumental methods such as ultrasound and MRI of joints, analysis of biochemical markers in blood and urine, and in some cases, genetic testing.

Early diagnosis and lifestyle correction, including a balanced diet and moderate physical activity, can slow down degenerative processes and preserve joint health, Shelepov concluded.

On August 19, orthopedic traumatologist Oles Tikhonov said that for joint health, the diet should include foods such as mackerel, almonds, strawberries, olive oil and broccoli. According to him, salmon, sardines, and herring are among the main sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

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