What Happens When Joints Degenerate?

Joint degeneration, also known as osteoarthritis, occurs when the parts of the joint gradually get damaged over time, especially the cartilage that covers the bone ends. This is a natural process often associated with aging, but it can also result from other factors such as injury, genetics, obesity, or other underlying conditions. When a joint degenerates, the symptoms and complications can significantly affect the quality of life. Here's what happens when joints degenerate:

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1. Wearing Down and Damage to Cartilage

Cartilage is a smooth, flexible material that cushions the ends of bones in a joint, allowing smooth movement. As joints degenerate, the cartilage wears down and becomes unable to repair itself, causing bones to rub directly against each other. This friction leads to pain and limited mobility of the joint.

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2. Joint Pain

Pain is the primary symptom when a joint degenerates. Initially, the pain may only occur during movement, but over time, it can occur even at rest or with changes in weather. The pain tends to worsen after physical activity or long periods of rest.

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3. Stiffness

As cartilage wears away, the tissues and fluids in the joint change, making the joint feel stiff and difficult to move, especially after sitting for long periods or upon waking in the morning.

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4. Swelling and Inflammation

When cartilage is damaged, the body tries to protect the joint by increasing the production of joint fluid, which can lead to swelling. Inflammation can also occur during the degeneration process, especially when the bones rub against each other, causing irritation and swelling in the area.

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5. Reduced Mobility

When a joint degenerates, its ability to move becomes restricted. This makes everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting down difficult and painful. The loss of flexibility can significantly reduce the quality of life.

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6. Joint Deformity

In advanced stages, joint degeneration can lead to deformities, causing the joint to become misaligned and lose its normal shape. This can make it even harder to use the joint and increase pain levels.

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7. Grinding or "Cracking" Sounds

When cartilage wears away and bones come into contact with one another, you may hear a grinding or "cracking" sound during movement. This is a clear sign that the parts of the joint are no longer moving smoothly as they should.

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Causes of Joint Degeneration:

• Age: Joint degeneration is a natural process that occurs with age, especially after 40.

• Joint Injuries: Previous injuries, such as fractures or sprains, can increase the risk of joint degeneration later on.

• Genetics: Some people are more prone to joint degeneration due to genetic factors.

• Obesity: Excess body weight puts extra pressure on joints, especially the knees, and speeds up the degeneration process.

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity reduces joint flexibility and weakens surrounding muscles, leading to faster degeneration.

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Treatment for Joint Degeneration:

• Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory Medications: Medications like paracetamol or NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Physical Therapy: Exercises help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce joint stiffness.

• Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery (such as knee or hip replacement) or arthroscopy may be needed to clean the joint.

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Conclusion:

Joint degeneration is a natural process, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems and significantly impact quality of life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and controlling body weight can help prevent and slow down the degeneration process.