Can cartilage be regenerated? A study shows that under the right conditions our body can stimulate the formation of new cells, which can be great news for people with RA.
We discuss in this podcast episode:
- Chondrogenesis and how it can stimulate cartilage regeneration in the joints
- The types of physical activity that can help start the process
Welcome back. Today, we’re going to be considering an interesting question, Can cartilage be regenerated? Well, it turns out that the body can regenerate cartilage under the right conditions using its own cartilage regeneration mechanisms. And this is something that is happening regularly in the body, according to new research.
So what exactly are these conditions? Well, in this recently published study, researchers discovered that when joints are loaded, as we exercise the temperature inside the joint increases and this localised change in temperature actually triggers a chain reaction that leads to the formation of new cartilage cells in a process that is known as Chondrogenesis. So in other words, applying pressure to our joints such as through exercise or physical activity, can actually stimulate the production of the vital building blocks for healthy joints. But here’s the truly exciting part. The researchers actually found that it’s not just temperature alone that promotes this process of chondrogenesis. It’s actually the combined effect of temperature change and loading of the joint through exercise that creates a powerful synergy. Together these conditions create an optimal environment for cartilage growth. And this provides a unique opportunity for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis to enhance their joint health.
So what does this mean for you, our listeners? Well, if you are living with rheumatoid arthritis, incorporating joint-loading activities such as low-impact exercise into your daily routine can potentially stimulate the growth of new cartilage cells. So this is like giving your joints a natural boost and encouraging them to regenerate and heal. Now, remember, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regime, and they can guide you on appropriate exercises and help to tailor a plan that is specific for your individual needs. As a result, what we can take away from this new research is that when we undergo exercise in which the joints are loaded, the joint naturally rises in temperature and the combination of the two creates this chondrogenesis or cartilage regeneration. And whilst this might not be able to regenerate cartilage once it has been significantly eroded for many years, it certainly information that can be encouraged.
So thank you for joining us today. We hope you found this information enlightening and empowering. If you’d like to learn more about this particular study or to stay up to date with the latest research and insights on rheumatoid arthritis, be sure to subscribe to our podcast and our YouTube channel. If you’re currently facing the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis and you’re eager to find a comprehensive program that can truly make a difference in reducing your symptoms, we’ve got just the solution for you. So head on over to RheumatoidSolutions.com and we’ve honed our expertise in using various techniques to help to improve the health and well-being of individuals with inflammatory arthritis. So together, let’s continue our journey towards healthier and happier joints. Thank you for listening today and I will speak to you soon.