Question

Some people in old age complain of stiff joints. What do you think could be a possible reason for it?

Answer 1

• Some people in old age complain of stiff joints because of the decline in the amount of synovial fluid between the bones.
• Joints such as knee joint, shoulder joint necessitate to be securely held in their positions in order to be lubricated well.
• These joints possess synovial fluid which is a lubricating (loosening) fluid which act as a cushion between the bones and taking away friction while movements.
• As we get older, the movement of the joints tend to get stiffer with reduced flexibility as the synovial fluids decreases and the cartilage gets thinner.
• Furthermore, joints tend to get stiffer as the ligaments also shorten and lose some flexibility.