Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans. It is a condition that adversely affects hyaline articular cartilage, the tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones Mk 677 for sale.
Hyaline cartilage is made up of a matrix consisting of a combination of proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars) and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that manufacture matrix under normal healthy circumstances. They are responsible for nourishing the matrix as well.
However, when OA develops, a distinct change in the joint environment occurs. Chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes causing cracks in the cartilage. These are called “fibrillations.”
One of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis is the knee. This is not a surprise since OA preferentially attacks weight-bearing joints Lgd 4033 for sale.
The treatment of OA of the knee is primarily symptomatic. Weight loss, exercise, physical therapy, assistive devices (such as canes and walkers), analgesics (pain-relieving medicines), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which also reduce inflammation and pain, as well as thermal modalities such as heat and ice can all be employed Mk 2866 for sale.