Joints are essentially the intersection of two bones, allowing our bodies, and those of our pets, to move, bend, and twist. In addition to bones, joints are also comprised of cartilage, ligaments, and muscle. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are found naturally in your joints and are important to regular joint function.
Cartilage is the smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers the ends of our bones and acts as a cushion for our joints, helping them move smoothly and easily. When force is applied to our joints, such as when running, cartilage helps prevent our bones from contacting each other.
Our joints are also surrounded by a joint capsule or synovium. This produces a substance called synovial fluid, which both nourishes and lubricates the joint. This same biology exists in dogs, cats, and horses. Thus, a breakdown in cartilage can cause joint pain and hinder mobility in both humans and our pets.
Maintaining Joint Health
After many years of movement and pressure, it’s common for cartilage to deteriorate which impairs the joints’ ability for smooth movement and shock absorption. This can often result in joint pain, and for some, osteoarthritis. Additionally, as we age our surrounding muscles which move the joint, and the bones themselves also deteriorate. This puts even more strain and pressure on joints.
Movement is an essential element for health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Maintaining good joint health is critical to healthy aging and maintaining vitality, independence, and pain-free movement. Joint health supplements can help mitigate these negative aspects and help promote overall health and wellness. Similarly, joint supplements for dogs (and other animals) can help promote lasting joint health.