Introduction

Our bodies use over 140 different joints to perform an infinite variety of movements. And our joints frequently support the equivalent of six times our body weight during repetitive cycles of movements. With this kind of workload, it's not hard to see that our joints need special care.

It falls to your cartilage to take the brunt. Rubbery, pliable pads line your joints and act as the shock absorbers, protecting you by preventing bone-on-bone contact. So, if you want to maintain healthy joints, you have to maintain your cartilage. That's the key.

Cartilage is continually broken down and replaced throughout our lives - like you top up a car's oil to keep the engine running smoothly. Let it run down, and you'll find things will grind to a halt. Check it regularly and top it up and you'll be able to ensure good healthy joints well into old age.

Joint conditions result from injury and the aging process. Typically, symptoms begin to appear after the age of 55. The result of this cartilage damage is known as osteoarthritis; this is the most prevalent joint disease in the developed world. One major problem is that cartilage isn't supplied with nerve endings. To use the engine analogy again, no oil warning light will come on! So since no pain signals are sent to your brain, damage can be occurring without your knowing.

The first time you feel joint pain will be when the damage spreads to the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint. The cartilage, however, will already be damaged.

All isn't lost though. There are practical and achievable steps you can take to maintain good joint health - and they relate to simple changes you can make to the following aspects of your lifestyle: