COURSE XIV: Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Here we look in detail at two common conditions affecting the bones and joints – Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (OA). First, the clinical expressions and means of assessment of osteoporosis are considered, moving on to review and detail those factors that are known to contribute to good bone health. This is an opportunity to look again in some depth at the mineral and hormonal players, with a focus here on Zinc and Magnesium. The importance of muscle mass in bone health and longevity is also considered. Turning attention to OA , the structural anatomy of the collagen lining of joints is considered, as well as the pathophysiology of its degeneration – and its capacity for regeneration. This helps guide ways to both prevent and treat the extremely common problem of ‘wear and tear’ of our joints.