Every mechanical object has a weak link, the one area that wears out over time and causes the mechanism to be prone to breakage. A good case can be made that, in the human body, our joints and the surrounding soft tissue are our weakest links.

The Toll of Joint Pain

Indeed, joint pain affects tens of millions of Americans. According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 1.3 million people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, while another 27 million experience the pain associated with osteoarthritis. And everyone from fitness buffs to weekend warriors to professional athletes can attest to the toll that sports can take on joint health.

Knees are Vulnerable

Our knees are especially vulnerable to injury. If done to excess, running and other kinds of exercise can easily lead to kneecap pain or to pain where the quadriceps connects to the kneecap. Injuries to the cartilage and ligaments on the outside of the knee are common, as are muscular sprains and strains.

The Angst of Ankles and Shoulders

As with knees, our ankles are extremely vulnerable to injury. Strains and sprains are common, and are often caused by a simple twist or turn of the ankle. Likewise, there are dozens of shoulder injuries, from rotator cuff injuries to dislocation, that are extraordinarily painful and that can adversely impact a person's quality of life.

Elbows and Wrists

Elbow injuries are common to weekend athletes. There's tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and thrower's elbow, as well as a variety of kinds of ligament sprains. Even desk jockeys can feel the burn in their wrists, as carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of people.

Strengthening Our Weakest Links

If joints are our body's weakest links, it's critical that we work to ensure that they are in working order. When it comes to joint health, the first step to take is to get high quality, safe, and effective nutrients that specifically support our joints and the soft tissue surrounding our joints. Whether we're in our athletic prime or are feeling the effects of getting a bit older, taking supplements that are specifically designed to enhance our joint health simply makes sense.

Products that Help

When it comes to a nutritional product that supports joint health, look for one that includes glycine and histidine, amino acids that promote neuromuscular control and that maintain flexible joints. Boron is also crucial, as it helps maximize bone health through the increased retention of calcium and magnesium.

For those people who regularly work out, a nutritional supplement that contains glucosamine is critical. Sports injuries are most often the result of damage to the connective tissue around the joints, and glucosamine helps to ensure that the connective tissue remains healthy. Similarly, natural anti-inflammatory compounds like bromelain and boswellia further support quick recovery from a workout and the health of joints and soft tissues.

Our joints may be the body's weak link, but using targeted nutrients can help us strengthen that link and ensure that our joints and soft tissues will continue to serve us for years to come.