THE JOINT CARTILAGE REPAIR ARGUMENT - Why It's a False Debate! #jointpain #osteoarthritis

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” self-recovery 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 shock-absorbent, 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 re-building 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 self-management 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:
How chondrocytes in an arthritic joint can be made to produce new ECM:
Understand Collagen production:
My Arthritic Hip Story:

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.*

[sheilahenderson]

I first came across your channel two weeks ago. Immediately I went no sugar and very very low carbs. I have suffered with arthritis for seven years since an accident and have done seven years of recommended exercise but I still had the pain.For the first time in seven years I do not have pain so thank you so for this information; we should be given this information from our doctors. I assume my no more pain is due to my inflmation going down but now I can start healing. I feel reborn as pain, as you know, takes away all energy and joy in life. Also I don't feel any stiffness in my joints when I wake up in the morning, it's wonderful. Thank you so much for educating us 🙏 👍 🤗

[robbiemair]

A surgeon wanted to operate on my right knee 2007. I decided to go natural and now run climb stairs.

[rockymount]

Fully agree, been a BodyPUMP 🏋️‍♂️ instructor for past 30 years and use to do "many" high impact classes that damaged my right knee. Have taken your advice for almost 8 weeks now (i.e. no carbs/sugar) and take supplements (Turmeric complex, Serrata Boswellia, Cold Pressed Virgin Olive Oil, Pregnenolone, DHEA, Glucosamine, Collagen Protein (incl. Bone Broth Collagen Protein Powder that I mix with Spirulina Powder to make a "Green" Gravy) and have so far lost 2 stone (12.7 Kg) in weight, my limp has almost gone, my right knee is feeling brilliant (no pain) and I'm even teaching the one or two extra BodyPUMP 🏋️‍♂️ "cover" classes per week. So thank you very much for your invaluable advice, it's most appreciated Andrew 👍😀

[jayque]

Thank YOU for (1) getting to the point and not waffling on and on, and (2) clarifying the whole debate about whether cartilage can regrow. Thank you sir!!

[suzgardiner]

I want to join the other folk here and say a huge thank you. I had a lot of hip pain which was increasing over the past yr. I had to physically lift my leg up to get into the car, put boots on etc. movement was poor. I started on the no sugar, carb, processed food diet about 8 weeks ago. The change is phenomenal. Next to no pain, movement is returning, I’m back to enjoying walks rather than avoiding them. I’m delighted, chuffed to bits, so thank you!

[fuadmaayeh]

Hi Andrew Great Video, I've been on a quest for answers lately, and one significant incident was when my doctor prescribed statin drugs a year ago. Three months later, my cholesterol and triglyceride levels were perfect. My doctor attributed it to the medication, but I left him speechless when I revealed that I hadn't taken it at all. Instead, it was solely due to changes in my diet. so yes nowadays people are obliged to look harder for answers. Wish me luck I have been on no sugar no carboydrates for tyhe last 10 days hopefully few months from today I will have my bone-on-bone hip OA. Thank you again for your video.

[GenieBright]

I first learned about the fact that cartilage can regenerate if the offending factors are dealt with (inflammation, joint imbalance etc) from Pete Egoscu’s book called “The Egoscue Method of Health Through Motion” . His method targets body misalignments through specific simple exercises. People can and do regenerate their cartilage. It’s just taking a while for certain scientists to see the forest for the trees.

[fuzfire]

As a Firefighter I slid down a third story fire pole to go on a call. It hit the concrete floor too hard and my knee slammed into the metal pole. I suffered fir about two years with no doctor helping me. So I started looking for anything that might help me. Finally I heard about a product that had ceytle Myristoleate in it. That did the trick. It completely took the swelling and pain away. I will always be grateful foe God helping me find that.

[marcopignone]

An aging athlete here... I don't know the science behind this issue, but I think you are correct and I have dramatically reduced my own joint pains by doing largely what you recommend for a number of years now. I'd like to add one piece of advice for the hip and that is the side kick stretch (that's what I call it). I put one leg up on something sturdy and then turn my hip and lower my torso a bit into a martial arts sidekick pose and then gently maneuver my hips around in that position. I used to get a significant pop (which scared me a bit at first), but gradually my flexibility increased, pain went down and the pop became less and less... intense/loud. I continue to stretch into a deeper position that elicits a little tiny "pop" and year after year my hips have felt better and better.

[gdok]

Good explanation Andrew. You are helping to improve understanding and that's always a good thing.

[dunringill]

This is a great clarification on the discussion.

[kathym]

A lesson here well worth learning. It aligns the thought behind the healing with the actual healing and so you can work with your body in the best possible way.

[maxfactorone]

Absolutely brilliant bit of research Andrew. I have never come across anything like this before so I hope this video goes viral. 👍👍👍👍

[mfowler]

I wish I had found this information about seven years ago. I looked and looked for valid discussion before my hip replacement. I was a lifelong carb-o-holic which I am convinced was responsible for the deterioration of my right hip. Now, just say no to GPS: grains, potatoes, sugars. My inflammation is nil. Unfortunately, my right hip was replaced in 12/19, yet today I walk 4 miles a day up and down hills and cycle a lot. Hope the fake hip holds out.

[tleyt]

I am fortunate to have found your channel. You squared the circle of knowledge for me. Several years ago I experienced knee pain diagnosed to a near bone-on-bone osteoarthritis. Surgery seems inevitable since common medical belief is that cartilage cannot regrow. Instead I went on crutches for 6 months and rehabbed my knees. Now in my 70's I am very active, perhaps too active. Playing vigorous sports 2-3 hours at a time stresses my knees. I am looking for ways to fix the problem permanently. The fact that I can move pretty easily and fast now proves that cartilage does regenerate as you have explained. What I learned from you that I found absolutely vital is that the regeneration rate has to be GREATER than the deterioration rate. Also the deterioration rate seems to increase with age. This mean I need to back off right away and allow regeneration to take place. I am concentrating now of movement mechanics to avoid all unnecessary stresses. Thank you for posting the video.

[fqo]

I'm74 and an x-ray shows that I have bone on bone in both hips. Hip replacement has been the only recommendation. Now, about one month into my Keto diet, and though I wouldn't expect the cartilage to have started to come back again yet, I can say one thing is for certain, the level of pain has greatly decreased. Sometimes at night after working all day I could barely walk, and now it can nearly seem that there is no problem at all. Work involves a lot of walking.

[georgekatsouras]

excellent explanation Andrew, thank you. After an MRI in 2017 the surgeon said that my R knee was bone to bone and I must go back to him for the knee replacement operation. I never went back to him, instead I have used the comfrey plant to repair my knees and I can run, jump, climb ladders and trees without any pain or discomfort at all. Of course I changed my diet to include mostly healing foods as I have realised that nature has the answers to most of our health problems.

[yvesbajulaz]

Great explanation, needs to go viral... Best video on the topic I've seen

[Angie-ewim]

Best explaination ever. Thank you so much for explaining this in a way that I understand it. Great information. Thank you, I needed to hear this today.

[autobahnproven]

Found one of your videos a couple of months ago. Had some worsening pain in a hip over the last year or so. Being a generally very fit person, I'm used to muscle pain but this was different. Have cut alcohol, sugar and high carb foods and try to eat just once a day (intermittent fasting). Although not yet fully recovered (just two months in), am well on the way. Thank you so much for pushing out the information to help me and many others choose to make this positive change to our lives.