Learning About Your Joints To Protect Them From Harm

            Cartilage degenerates in osteoarthritis. This degenerative process results in a loss of cushioning as well as loss of lubrication for the joint.   The best way to prevent a joint from degenerating is to keep the surrounding muscles strong and flexible.  By doing this, the joint does not have to carry as much of the load of the body. 

            Joints don't live in a vacuum.  Muscles provide the force and torque to make them move.  Tendons are fibrous bands that attach muscles to bones.  Ligaments are tough fibrous bands that attach bone to bone.  There are about 160 small bursae in your body.  These bursae are small but important fluid filled sacs that are strategically scattered throughout the body in order to provide cushioning for the body.  Bursae protect bones, ligaments, and tendons in a similar way to bubble wrap protecting an important package.

            As you can see, joints are amazing, dynamic structures with multiple intertwined parts.  When they work properly, they allow people to dance, jump, run, brush their teeth, hit a homerun, play tennis, and type on a computer.  Often, joints are not appreciated until they start to break down or show signs of wear-and-tear. Only then does one realize how important and marvelous their joints really are! Appreciate all your joints and do your best to take care of them and keep them healthy so you can be dancing well into the future.