What Is Degenerative Joint Disease?
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As we grow older, our bodies tend not to work as well as they did when we were younger. Even people that like to keep in shape can find that they find it harder to move than usual, and certain other functions like sight and hearing can also begin to fade.
A lot of people will find that their joints are nowhere near as flexible as they used to be. In some cases, joint problems can become so severe that it effectively leaves the patient immobile. One of these conditions is degenerative joint disease, and it affects millions of people around the world.
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1. Degenerative Joint Disease
The ends of our bones where they meet other bones to form a joint have a protective layer of cartilage. This helps to protect them against contact with the other bone in the joint and helps to ensure that the joint can move smoothly. This cartilage is made from tough stuff, but it is not impervious to wear and tear.
As the joint gets used day in, day out, over the years, it does eventually get worn down. This can then mean that the ends of the bones become exposed in a condition that is known as degenerative joint disease. It is also known as osteoarthritis and it is a condition that tends to affect elderly people.
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