Connective tissue weakness

Definition of terms

The term connective tissue weakness describes an inferiority of the connective tissue in different areas of the body. Depending on which tissue is affected, the most varied of symptoms occur.

In everyday use, the term connective tissue weakness is often used to describe cellulite (so-called Orange peel) connected. A weak connective tissue can not only have cosmetic, but also sometimes serious medical consequences.

Functions of the connective tissue

The connective tissue is found throughout the body and has a supporting function. A person of normal weight roughly exists a quarter to a third (approx. 20kg) of his body weight from connective tissue.

It will be between different types of connective tissue like that loosen up, tighten, gelatinous, spinocellular connective tissue or Adipose tissue distinguished. Depending on Localization in the human body There are usually several types of connective tissue next to each other that perform different functions.

What all types have in common is that they are made of fabric very few cells and in proportion to it a lot of intercellular mass consist. The most important cells in connective tissue are the so-called Fibrocyteswhich through the synthesis of various substances determine the properties of the intercellular space. One finds a in the intercellular space Mesh made of fibers (mainly Collagens) which from Proteins exist and protect against tensile forces and the so-called Proteoglycans (Protein molecules with several sugar residues) that are many times their own weight Bind water can and so as Shock absorbers Act.

The important tasks of the connective tissue are Maintaining the organ shape and their Protection against damage. In addition, the connective tissue is more important water-tank and takes on important functions in the Defense against pathogens and in Cell cycle.

Causes of a weak connective tissue

The Tissue tension is the higher, the more firming fibers (Collagen fibers) are located in the intercellular substance of the connective tissue. Their number decreases or quality, so it comes to the so-called Connective tissue weakness.

The most important factor in developing connective tissue weakness is one genetic predisposition. A weak connective tissue is usually congenital, and symptoms of this kind are often widespread in the families of those affected. The genetic factor cannot be manipulated or treated what the causal treatment a weak connective tissue excludes.

Another important factor is that Age, because a congenital weakness of the connective tissue always comes with it increase with age becomes.

The hormonal situation is also decisive. During pregnancy and during the menopause, concentrations of the female Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone), causing the connective tissue particularly vulnerable becomes. This is one of the reasons why Women As a general rule significantly more often suffer from weak connective tissue than men.

In addition to these factors, which are already determined from birth, there are also factors unhealthy lifestyle and certain behaviors to an intensification of the problem.

Here is first Sedentary lifestyle to be mentioned, which in many cases leads to an early and increased development of a weak connective tissue.

Smoking too, Alcohol consumption and a monotonous, high fat diet reduce the quality of the connective tissue.

In addition, the intake certain drugs (e.g. cortisone) lead to the development of a weak connective tissue despite a healthy lifestyle and a lack of genetic predisposition.

Both at Pregnancies as well as at severe fluctuations in weight (e.g. in the context of diets or eating disorders) it comes to aalternating stretching and loosening the connective tissue, which wears out and damages its tight fibers, so that connective tissue weakness can occur.

Cellulite / orange peel

A weak connective tissue can be visible as cellulite (orange peel). The term cellulite, which is often incorrectly used synonymously, must be distinguished from this, but in contrast to cellulite it describes an inflammatory change in the subcutaneous fatty tissue.

With cellulite (orange peel), there is a non-inflammatory change in the fatty tissue located directly under the skin, preferably in the thigh or buttock area. The skin appears dent-shaped and is reminiscent of the surface of an orange peel, hence the name orange peel.

Cellulite (orange peel), like other forms of connective tissue weakness, occurs almost exclusively in women. In old age, up to 90% of women suffer from this widespread form of connective tissue weakness; in overweight people or genetic predispositions, it already appears from puberty.

Cellulite (orange peel) causes padding with lymph congestion in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. As a special form of connective tissue, the fatty tissue is criss-crossed by strands of collagen. When these structures swell (e.g. due to hormones), small fat deposits are created, which become visible as orange peel in the form of small dents.

In earlier stages, these dents are only visible during the pinch test, later they are also visible when standing and ultimately lying down.

Cellulite is not a disease, but rather represents an aesthetic problem for the women concerned. The cosmetics industry has also made use of this, whereby all creams, ointments and peelings only act on the skin surface and thus do not achieve the causal structural change in the subcutaneous tissue.

You may also be interested in this topic: Strengthen connective tissue through nutrition

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are caused by excessive stretching of the subcutaneous tissue, for example during pregnancy or due to excessive weight gain. The formation of streaks is promoted by weakness of the connective tissue, which is often genetically determined.

Find out more at: Stretch marks

The streaks occur primarily on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, upper arms or chest, where the connective tissue is exposed to high stress.

The subcutaneous tissue is interspersed with a network of collagen fibers. If the tissue is overstretched, tears occur in the subcutaneous tissue, which are visible from the outside as blue-red colored stripes. These streaks fade after a few weeks and months, leaving pale scars behind.

Stretch marks occur in almost every pregnancy, and often when building muscles (Bodybuilding) or during growth in adolescents.

In this context, stretch marks are not to be regarded as pathological and only represent an aesthetic problem.

On the other hand, they can express a serious condition such as obesity (Obesity) or Cushing's syndrome.

As a therapy, vitamin A acid in the form of tablets or ointments can help with regression, but it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Bulging scars can be removed with the help of Cryotherapy (Cold) or laser use can be reduced.

Read more on the topic: Stretch marks on the buttocks

Varicose veins

Varicose veins (Varicosis) can express a Connective tissue weakness be. This is done by the walls of the veins that are supposed to secure the return flow of blood to the heart Lose elasticity. As a result, the venous valves that make up the Direction of blood flow set, no longer close properly and Blood back towards the feet flows.

Through the changed pressure conditions in the venous system it comes to Meandering of the superficial veinsthat appear as varicose veins.

On the one hand, varicose veins cease aesthetic problem but can be in advanced stages also symptoms such as leg cramps, Heaviness or Pain and Skin changes cause. In this case, the varicose veins should surgically removed become.

Preventive will sufficient exercise recommended to prevent the development of varicose veins caused by connective tissue. Sports like Nordic walking or Cyclethat train the calf muscles to a reasonable extent.

Drooping chest

A Connective tissue weakness especially affects women in women chest. The female breast is made up to a large extent connective tissue, fat and Glandular tissue.

Besides the hereditary predisposition for weak connective tissue also has the Breast size, the nutrition, as well as the Lifestyle and smoking have an impact on the firmness of breast tissue. It also loses when you reach menopause Connective tissue of the chest of tightness, as this is due to the Regression of the glandular part gets smaller.

One seems different from what has long been propagated pregnancy and the Breastfeeding no ill effects to have the firmness of the female breast.

The therapy of the "drooping chest“Unfortunately consists mainly of one operational streamlining. Sports and Muscle building usually have one due to the very small proportion of muscle in the female breast very little influence on their tightness.

Women with a medium to larger breast are recommended to use one when exercising special supportive sports bra to be worn to keep the shape of the chest.

Lowering the pelvic floor

By a Weakness of connective tissue structures and the Pelvic floor muscles organs such as the uterus (uterus) or the Scabbard (vagina) come.

Next to a birth is a congenital weakness the most important Risk factor for one Uterus subsidencewhich every third woman suffers in the course of her life.

Lighter forms are common asymptomatic, whereas in more severe cases abdominal and back pain, as well as a permanent feeling of pressure is characteristic.

The therapy also depends on the severity of the disease and ranges from pelvic floor training to surgical intervention.

Hernias

At advanced connective tissue weakness it can be used to train Hernias come. Here, the abdominal wall as a connective tissue structure no longer fulfills its supporting function, so that Abdominal viscera (often small intestine or mesh) through a There may be a gap in the abdominal wallwhere they can often be felt from the outside.

Since with a hernia the Risk of entrapment and consequently des Death of parts of the intestine Usually, a hernia will exist operational fixed by inserting a plastic net.

Therapy of connective tissue weakness

Since the ability to develop weak connective tissue is inherited from parents as the most important factor, treatment of the cause of the weak connective tissue is not possible. However, this does not mean that anyone who, in relation to the connective tissue "bad“Has genes, has to come to terms with it and automatically becomes disruptive at a young age.

The predisposition to develop weak connective tissue remains lifelong, but a reduction in typical risk factors such as smoking, obesity, a high-fat diet or lack of exercise can achieve significant success.

An important step in stabilizing the connective tissue is to maintain a constant normal weight. In both overweight people and people with strong weight fluctuations (e.g. due to the yo-yo effect in many diets), the connective tissue is literally worn out and can no longer fulfill its original function. The result is cellulite, stretch marks and visibly sagging, sagging skin, preferably on the stomach, chest, thighs and upper arms.

In addition to its well-known dramatic effects on the cardiovascular system, in combination with weak connective tissue, being overweight can also cause hernias, which can lead to dangerous complications. People of normal weight should keep their optimal weight with a healthy diet and overweight people should definitely reduce their weight by eating healthy food in combination with exercise.

Zero diets often lead to rapid weight loss, leaving a sagging skin that does not go away even with a lot of exercise and continued starvation.

When it comes to nutrition, care should be taken to ensure that there are plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on the menu and that sugar and animal fats are avoided as far as possible. In healthy people, a varied diet completely covers the body's vitamin and mineral requirements, so that nutritional supplements can usually be dispensed with.

It is also important for the metabolism of the connective tissue to drink a sufficient amount of at least 2 liters per day. Only in this way can the waste products of the connective tissue be transported away and excreted. In addition, the connective tissue is an important reservoir of water in our body; if you drink enough water, the connective tissue looks plumped up and the skin looks plump and taut.

In this context, avoiding alcohol is also worthwhile and especially recommended for severe forms of connective tissue weakness.

In combating weak connective tissue, regular exercise is also essential, a combination of endurance sports and strength training being ideal. Many sports studios offer special programs for the tightening of "Problem areas"(E.g. stomach, legs and buttocks training).

Read more about this: Exercises against cellulite

Many sufferers also swear by alternating showers (alternating showers with cold and warm water for about 5 times each), which is supposed to improve the blood flow to the connective tissue and thus boost its metabolic activity. The same effect is said to have been given to massages, which also promote lymphatic drainage in the tissue.

The cosmetics industry has made extreme use of the fact that a weak connective tissue is often expressed in the aesthetically disturbing cellulite in recent years. In all drugstores, pharmacies and perfumeries, creams and other care products in all price ranges are offered that want to make the unsightly orange peel disappear. However, it is important to know here that all creams cannot replace a change in lifestyle (sport, healthy nutrition, etc.).

Since the sometimes very promising active ingredients of the creams are applied to the surface of the skin and hardly reach the subcutaneous tissue, where the development of cellulite occurs, their benefit is not undisputed. However, in addition to a regular exercise program and a balanced diet, such a cream can be worth trying; in any case, it will make the skin look nourished and nourished.

The last option is a tightening of the connective tissue in the form of cosmetic surgery. Especially after pregnancy or severe weight loss, very good aesthetic results are achieved with a surgical tightening. Tummy tuck, breast lift or upper arm or thigh lift are common.

Since this is a surgical procedure under anesthesia, the benefits and risks should be carefully weighed with advice from a competent doctor. Cosmetic surgical interventions are usually not covered by health insurance and have to be paid for by the patient himself, although several thousand euros should be expected depending on the clinic.

This article might also interest you: Alternating showers

prophylaxis

If the first signs a weak connective tissue such as orange peel or Stretch marks have appeared, their Progression prevent relatively well with the above means, damage already incurred of the connective tissue can only be shard to fight.

When you know your own mother, aunt or grandmother suffers from a weak connective tissue, it is recommended that their Prevent occurrence with the options mentionedeven before you discover the first signs on your own body.

The most effective in preventing connective tissue weakness are very clear regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle with a varied, fresh diet and without alcohol or nicotine.

Pregnant women can prevent stretch marks well by regularly using the affected areas during pregnancy massage special oils. (see also preventing stretch marks)

A pelvic floor training after the birth strengthens the muscles of the pelvic floor including the connective tissue holding and support structures, so that a lowering of the pelvic floor can be prevented.

Summary

The Predisposition to weak connective tissue is innate and manifests itself in a Variety of symptoms how Cellulite, Stretch marks, one drooping chest, but also Varicose veins or Hernias and one Uterus subsidence.

Almost every woman suffers from older age from a weakness of the connective tissue, Overweight, Affected with genetic predisposition or with one unhealthy lifestyle can already be in early years suffer from it.

A causal therapy is not possible, however, through a Change in lifestyle and above all through Sports good results can be achieved.

There is also the option of a cosmetic surgical tissue tightening to have carried out. The advertised benefits of Creams and others Care products in the fight against cellulite is considered limited to watch.