Glucosamine is found naturally in the body and is known to give cartilages the required strength and rigidity. Osteoarthritis is a condition wherein the cartilage of the affected joint is roughened and becomes worn down. As the disease progresses, much of the cartilage is worn out, and the bone ends start to rub against each other. Bone spurs may develop around the joint, causing pain and inflammation. Proteoglycans and water, which lubricate the cartilage, are held within the helix.
Water is essential for shock absorption and sponginess and also to carry nutrients to the cartilage.
Proteoglycans attract and hold water. Collagens in turn hold proteoglycans, while chondrocytes synthesise the cartilage. If the cartilage is damaged, collagens become loose, proteoglycans float away, and the cartilage loses its ability to retain water and absorb shocks. Hence, a cartilage becomes more susceptible to cracking, fissuring and wearing down. The cause of osteoarthritis, or what causes the cartilage to degenerate, is unknown.