Osteoarthritis is a condition of uncorrected (by the body) wear and tear that leads to a breakdown in the integrity of the cartilage that lines the joint. Damaged cartilage cannot support ongoing joint movement, and this leads to deterioration and secondary inflammation. Aging can lead to sluggish mitochondria within the cartilage cells (chondrocytes). When the mitochondria are no longer able to maintain the health of the cell, chondrocytes die at a rapid rate, create pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activate certain transcription factors (NF-kB) which instigate an inflammatory response within the joint compartment lining cells (synovial sheath).

Eventually, the fluid in the joint becomes toxic and aggravates the health of the cartilage cells. The bone under the cartilage becomes mechanically and oxidatively stressed as well.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that is best addressed at its foundation—it is a REDOX condition at its core. Regular (not extreme) exercise actually promotes cartilage vitality. There are no vessels in cartilage, so it gets its nutrients and oxygen through diffusion through fluid and tissues directly, and movement promotes this transfer of resources. Maintaining healthy REDOX potential will insure the best way to create a balanced internal environment for cartilage repair and maintenance of a smooth cellular surface to lubricate a joint.