Joint pain is a distress signal that many people encounter frequently. Estimates suggest that the global incidence of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) alone is as high as 2%, meaning approximately 20 out of every 10,000 people are newly diagnosed with it. Furthermore, the prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis is about 7%.
Today, joint pain is no longer a disease “exclusive” to the elderly. An increasing number of young adults are experiencing unexplained joint pain. Specifically, “Idiopathic Arthralgia Syndrome” is becoming common in people aged 20 to 50. Faced with various manifestations of joint pain, we often feel helpless. Therefore, understanding the structure and principles of the joint is crucial.
The Structure and Principle of Joints
A joint is the structure connecting two or more bones. It is a vital junction point for the human skeleton, and almost all types of movement require the participation of various joints.
- Articular Cartilage: The ends of the bones are covered with a smooth, elastic layer of cartilage. This acts like a cushion to absorb shock and reduce friction.
- Joint Capsule & Synovium: The joint is wrapped in a capsule, forming a closed space. Its inner lining, the synovium, secretes synovial fluid—a highly efficient “lubricating oil” and nutrient solution.
- Support Structures: Powerful ligaments, tendons, and muscles surround the joint to provide stability and power.
Because joints serve so many functions, they are particularly susceptible to various diseases that trigger pain. Structurally, joint pain may originate from the joint itself (e.g., Arthritis) or from surrounding structures (e.g., Tendonitis, Bursitis). When pain is limited to one joint, it is medically termed monoarticular pain; if it involves four or more, it is polyarticular pain.
Common Types and Causes of Joint Pain
The causes of joint pain are complex; they can result from a one-time injury or a long-term chronic disease. Generally, they can be categorized into the following types:
1. Metabolic Arthritis (e.g., Gout)
This is joint pain caused by endocrine factors or purine metabolism issues. The most common example is Gouty Arthritis.
- Mechanism: Uric acid crystals deposit within the joint, triggering an intense inflammatory reaction.
- Symptoms: Redness, swelling, heat, and severe pain. Attacks often occur suddenly late at night or in the early morning. The pain is described as “knife-cutting” and is unbearable.
- Location: Over 50% of first attacks occur in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe). While it may resolve on its own, it is prone to recurring attacks.
2. Mechanical Joint Pain
Represented by Osteoarthritis (OA), this is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly people. It is a degenerative disease, not simply “wear and tear,” but a whole-joint disease involving cartilage degradation, bone spur formation, and synovial inflammation.
- Mechanism: Simply put, the joint is “aged,” and the cartilage is “worn thin.” This is the most common cause of chronic joint pain, related to age, genetics, obesity, trauma, or overuse.
- Risk Factors: Statistics show that obese individuals have twice the risk of developing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis compared to those of normal weight. Acute sprains, strains, and meniscus or ligament tears also fall into this category.
Idiopathic Arthralgia Syndrome (IAS), on the other hand, mostly affects young adults. It manifests as persistent pain in multiple joints like the knees and lower back, but without redness or swelling. Its onset is closely related to environmental factors such as cold, dampness, and excessive labor intensity.
Personalized Solutions for Joint Pain Management
1. For Gout-Related Joint Pain
For metabolic disorders like Gouty Arthritis, the primary method of relief lies in long-term, stable control of blood uric acid levels and reducing the frequency of attacks. Maintaining blood uric acid consistently below 360 μmol/L is the key goal to promote the dissolution of uric acid crystals and prevent joint damage.
BISPIT 3310 Series (Acid Clear Peptide/Suanqingtai, 3310A+, etc.): These products gently intervene in the metabolic balance of uric acid through multiple pathways. By utilizing scientifically proportioned natural plant extracts, they regulate the body’s uric acid production and excretion processes, alleviate the frequency of gout attacks, and achieve long-term protection of joint health.
2. For Mechanical Damage (Osteoarthritis)
Mechanical injuries like Osteoarthritis are caused by the wear and degeneration of articular cartilage. BISPIT Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate provide excellent improvement for these issues.
- Glucosamine: Its main role is to treat and prevent various types of osteoarthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by injuries to cartilage or ligaments. The active ingredients in glucosamine stimulate articular cartilage to secrete beneficial substances, nourishing and repairing the cartilage while inhibiting the production of enzymes that destroy it. It has a mild anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, relieving knee pain.
- Chondroitin Sulfate: Widely distributed in the extracellular matrix and cell surface of animal tissues (specifically extracted from bovine, porcine, or avian cartilage). It is primarily suitable for treating joint diseases. When used in conjunction with glucosamine, it promotes pain relief and cartilage regeneration. It improves joint function, reduces swelling and effusion, and addresses joint problems at the root.
Conclusion: Identify the Source for Effective Relief
To manage joint pain effectively, you must distinguish the root cause. Whether it is cartilage wear caused by aging, strain, and improper exercise, or Gouty Arthritis caused by metabolic issues and high uric acid levels, BISPIT offers targeted solutions.
Scientific intervention is the key to keeping your joints flexible and strong for the long haul.