How does MSM & Hyaluronic Acid help bring back flexibility in joints?

To be flexible means that a joint or set of joints can move through its full, natural range of motion without restriction or pain. Although the extent to which an individual is flexible varies greatly, certain bare minimums are essential for the well-being of one's joints and body as a whole. Injuries, inactivity, and a failure to stretch regularly are only a few of the causes of decreased joint flexibility. The flexibility of the muscles and ligaments surrounding a joint affects how far that joint can move. The skin, the muscles, the ligaments, the tendons, and the joint capsules are all examples of soft tissues. Over time, weariness can cause soft tissues to shorten due to a lack of stretching, particularly when coupled with exertion1. Various supplements are available in the market that helps in boosting flexibility by inducing collagen production.

Role of MSM and Hyaluronic Acid in Improving Flexibility:

The fields of science and medicine continue to make strides. New drugs and treatment procedures for a wide variety of disorders, including diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system, are being developed on a regular basis by scientists.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), is an organic component that can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, poultry, and dairy products. MSM is a good source of natural sulphur, which is an essential component in many of the processes that take place in the body2.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), vitamin C, and collagen are just a few of the constituents in a dietary supplement designed to support healthy joint cartilage production, leading to improved joint strength, comfort, mobility, and flexibility. MSM may provide potential relief from joint difficulties linked with joint degeneration if, as the theory goes, it helps in the production of joint cartilage and so supports joint cartilage formation3.

Through promoting and maintaining adequate sulphur levels in the joints, MSM may aid in supporting flexibility and range of motion and joint elasticity. A preliminary double-blind trial of 118 patients found that individuals who took MSM daily for 12 weeks experienced greater improvements in joint stability and comfort compared to the control group4.

Organic sulphur in the form of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is required for the synthesis of collagen in articular cartilage and other connective tissues. MSM helps to improve functional capacity as well as joint elasticity by boosting the amount of collagen that the body produces naturally.

Hyaluronic acid, which can also be referred to as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a sticky and slippery material that is naturally produced by your body. Researchers have discovered hyaluronic acid in almost every part of the body, particularly in the eyes, joints, and skin5. The amount of hyaluronic acid that is stored in your body gradually decreases over time. According to the findings of certain studies, age is one component, but environmental factors including stress, smoking, and air pollution also play a role in the acceleration of this process6.

Hyaluronic acid, which can also be referred to as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a sticky and slippery material that is naturally produced by your body. Researchers have discovered hyaluronic acid in virtually every part of the body, but particularly in the eyes, joints, and skin. The amount of hyaluronic acid that is stored in your body gradually decreases over time. According to the findings of certain studies7, ageing is one component that contributes to this process; however, environmental factors including stress, smoking, and air pollution all have a role. Hyaluronic acid begins to deplete from the joints as we get older, which causes the joints to become less flexible and more prone to fractures.

A patient may need more than one HA injection to experience symptom relief. However, it doesn't promote cartilage regeneration or strengthen the joint structure. On the contrary, it helps to lessen inflammation. This means that the symptoms will return in due time. Injections of HA will need to be repeated on a regular basis for the effects to last.

Injectable HA may be useful for those with diabetes who would prefer not to use corticosteroids and those who experience little to no relief from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). There is a trade-off between inflammation reduction and blood sugar increase when using corticosteroids.

Doctors don't yet know the long-term effects of HA injections on pregnant women or nursing infants, therefore they may recommend an alternative treatment8.

Reference:

  1. Flexibility | Sports Medicine | UC Davis Health. Learn more.
  2. MSM or organic sulfur – Who should take it and for what? Learn more.
  3. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) health benefits: Joint pain and more. Learn more (2021).
  4. Xu, G. et al. Evaluation of the Effect of Mega MSM on Improving Joint Function in Populations Experiencing Joint Degeneration. Int J Biomed Sci 11, 54–60 (2015).
  5. What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Benefits, Side Effects, and Best Serums. EverydayHealth.com Learn more (2021).
  6. Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M. & Karakiulakis, G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol 4, 253–258 (2012).
  7. Migliore, A. & Procopio, S. Effectiveness and utility of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis. Clin Cases Miner Bone Metab 12, 31–33 (2015).
  8. Hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis: Benefits and risks. Learn more (2022).