The musculoskeletal system is also known as the locomotor system because it is our supporting structure and gives us the ability to move. Bones, joints, tendons and muscles must be in perfect condition to ensure optimal functions at all ages.
However, traumas or age-related factors can compromise articular cartilage, causing pain, stiffness and limiting movement. In fact, cartilage is a sort of weight-bearing cushion that ensures limb mobility. The disease that affects joints is called arthrosis, a chronic and degenerative disease that mainly involves the knees, hands, shoulders and the hip. It is age-related; in fact, it mostly affects people over 40. To preserve flexible and healthy joints, methylsulfonylmethane is very important, this being an organic component containing sulphur, collagen and hyaluronic acid, structural components of cartilage, vitamin C, copper and zinc.
In case of inflammatory pain, the remedies that have been used since ancient times include myrrh, which is known for its analgesic effects, while turmeric and boswellia have always been used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
If the condition involves the tendons, there ensues a tendinopathy. Tendons are fibrous tissues which attach muscle to bone and consist of a resistant substance (collagen) and a more elastic substance (elastin). If they are subject to incorrect movements, they can become inflamed or even break. A frequent condition is the so-called tennis elbow, an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Elasticity depends on age, personal predisposition and adequate physical exercise. A healthy diet and supplements for tendons can help in this respect. Arginine and lysine, for example, are amino acids that support collagen formation and have an important role in tissue maintenance and repair processes.
