An article in Scientific American exploring the ability of cartilage to repair itself, quotes DMPI faculty member Virginia Kraus. In 2019, Dr. Kraus and her team discovered a pattern of regeneration based on the location of cartilage – high level regeneration in the ankles, moderate level in the knee and low in the hips. Dr. Kraus refers to this gradient as “our inner salamander,” noting that salamanders and other animals that can regenerate a lost limb.
The goal of her research is finding a mechanism to boost the regeneration process to prevent, slow, or reverse arthritis. In the meantime, weight-bearing exercise which stresses a joint causing synovial fluid to circulate is one way we can help keep our joints strong and healthier. So keep moving!