The invention is directed to a composition and associated method for the treatment of musculoskeletal related disorders and diseases. In particular, the present invention provides a class of citrate compounds that can be used to for the treatment of diseases/disorders characterized by the degeneration of musculoskeletal tissues including menisci, bone, articular cartilage, and soft tissues. Examples of suitable citrate and citrate analog compounds include citrates having the following base formula (I): where X may be one of the following: wherein Y, Y′, and Y″ are independently a citrate moiety, O, O—Y, OH, NH, NH—Y, R and R—Y, with R being an alkyl, alkyene, ester, aryl, or phenyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.