01

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. There are more than a hundred types, each with its own causes and treatments. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the condition typically affects adults over the age of 65, it can also develop in children, teenagers and young adults. Arthritis is also more common in women and overweight individuals.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the normal wear and tear of cartilage. Cartilage is what protects our joints by absorbing pressure and shock created by movement. When worn out, it causes friction between joints. Infection and injury in joints can also speed up the natural breakdown of cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, affecting the synovium. The synovium membrane is a soft tissue that produces fluid to nourish the cartilage and lubricate joints. In extreme cases, the disorder can erode both bone and cartilage inside of joints.

02

Get active

Physical activity can help to increase joint strength and flexibility. Seek your doctor’s advice on the types of exercise suited for your joint condition. General guidelines recommend low-impact activities such as brisk walking, swimming and yoga. Even daily chores such as walking the dog and vacuuming the house are great ways to get your body moving. When you feel pain in the midst of any activity, stop immediately and rest.

03

Heat it or cool it

Depending on your preference, applying heat or ice packs to your joints after exercise can help to relieve pain and discomfort. This hot or cold therapy should not be administered for more than 20 minutes.

04

Quit smoking

Smoking has been proven to have negative effects on bone health. Smokers tend to develop less bone mass and experience accelerated bone loss, resulting in joint problems.

05

Take the right supplement

A typical joint supplement comes in the form of glucosamine and chondroitin. However, a specific type of collagen known as UC-II® has been proven to be twice as effective in relieving joint pain as glucosamine and chondroitin combined.* 

The benefits of UC-II® and Hydrolyzed Type II Collagen:

  • Reduce inflammation and degeneration of collagen in joint cartilage
  • Protect existing joint structure from further deterioration
  • Provide the building blocks for cartilage production
  • Repair damaged cartilage
  • Maintain joint flexibility