Why is there an endless debate around whether or not we can “regrow cartilage” in arthritic joints? Some say it absolutely cannot be done, while others are convinced it can. Then there are the people with personal stories about how they resolved debilitating osteoarthritis to almost 100% function and comfort, without surgical intervention. So who is right?
As a recovered patient myself and having heard the arguments “for” and “against” selfrecovery of cartilage, I realise that both sides are “right” in a way they are just not debating the same thing.
“Cartilage” tissue consists of Chondrocytes (specialized cartilage cells) lining the ends of the bones in a joint. They develop early in life, after which they are slow to reproduce and tend not to multiply. They produce the “Extracellular Cartilage Matrix” (ECM), a mass of tissue where collagen fibers are mixed with other proteins and minerals to provide a shockabsorbent, lubricating buffer between the bones allowing for comfortable, efficient movement. It is this matrix that is generally referred to as “cartilage”. The matrix breaks down with use, and the chondrocytes continue to produce more. In younger, healthier people, these processes are in balance.
With age, our ability to produce collagen becomes compromised and the rebuilding process slows down. Add to that additional harmful factors like Obesity (excess weight on the joints), Smoking, Alcohol abuse and Mechanical Damage (from injury, or impact activity coupled with an imbalance in the muscular support structure), and there comes a point the rebuilding of the matrix is slower than the rate of damage. This leads to a loss of matrix over time, until there is insufficient tissue remaining to perform it’s function and the joint becomes inflamed and we experience the pain and limited motion of Osteoarthritis.
The question “Can we grow back our cartilage?” is an inaccurate question, as to answer it in a useful way we need to understand what is meant. If the chondrocytes – the cells that produce the matrix tissue – are no longer present, then the answer is almost always “No” and surgery could follow. (An alternative could be Stem Cell treatment. This is a young field of medical science, but early indications are that the potential in this direction is great.)
However, even if the matrix has reduced to the point there is extreme pain and disability, if the chondrocytes are still present, there can be a complete recovery. So long as the negative factors are addressed (weight loss, inflammation reduction, healthy nutrition including protein and collagen supplements, the right exercise routine for the joint and a therapy programme to correct any structural imbalances) the joint should be able to repair itself. To the patient, this regeneration of the ECM is a “Cartilage rebuild”, and so the answer to the question would be “Yes”! Surgery is not necessary if sufficient chondrocytes remain. So the accurate answer is neither “Yes” nor “No”; it is “If you mean chondrocyte regeneration, NO; if you mean the functional matrix, YES”.
All that matters to the patient is comfort and function, so when someone with Osteoarthritis asks the question, it is wrong to answer either yes or no without understanding what condition their joints are in. Before agreeing to surgery it is almost always better to try selfmanagement along the lines outlined here for a trial period of three months, by which time it will become obvious whether or not the joint is recovering.

LINKS
Advice on appropriate exercise:
   • Hip Arthritis? Try These Hip Strength...  
   • Top 4 Exercises You Absolutely Should...  
How chondrocytes in an arthritic joint can be made to produce new ECM:
   • How to strengthen your cartilage?  
Understand Collagen production:
   • UNDERSTANDING COLLAGEN  What it Does...  
My Arthritic Hip Story:
   • GROWING MY HIP BACK  How I Restored ...  

ANDREW TUNSTALL is a Nutrition Coach, Elite Athlete and Science Teacher, who avoided Heart Surgery and a Hip Replacement by changing his lifestyle and nutrition before starting SHAPEFIXER to help others harness the power of knowledge to lose weight, improve health, fight disease and slow ageing.
DISCLAIMER: Andrew is not a medical doctor. All videos are for informational and motivational purposes only, and are not to be taken as personalised medical diagnoses or advice. Speak to your own medical professional about all aspects of your health, medical conditions and medication. Andrew may at any time and at his sole discretion change or replace the information available on this channel. To the extent permitted by law, Andrew shall not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content available on this channel, regardless of the accuracy or completeness of any such content.