![]() With age, the synovial membrane becomes stiffer and is less able to produce and remove synovial fluid ( Levangie & Norkin, 2011). These joints have a synovial membrane that is responsible for the secretion and maintenance of synovial fluid, providing nutrition to articular cartilage and lubricating the joint space through loading and compression ( Ahmed et al., 2005). Collagen in the ligaments of these joints becomes shorter, stiffer and less elastic ( Levangie & Norkin, 2011).įreely movable joints are the most common type of joint in the body they connect the appendicular skeleton to the axial skeleton. ![]() Fibrocartilage also has been shown to lose water during aging, which also stiffens these joints and decreases movement. With age, hyaline cartilage becomes stiffer from a decrease in water content and an increase in calcium which can lead to and increase in joint stiffness and less elasticity ( Levangie & Norkin, 2011). Slightly movable joints contain either hyaline cartilage (i.e. Immovable joints function to provide support between bones and will fuse to provide added support and strength. Three main types of joints are found in the human body: immovable, slightly movable, or freely movable joints. The joints of the skeletal system function to provide for movement of bones and absorb shock through the cushioning provided by joint fluid and cartilage ( Levangie & Norkin, 2011). Clinicians should appreciate these alterations in the joints and ligaments of older individuals and understand how this may impact on rehabilitation. Changes to these tissues have been theorized to be a result of multiple factors, including age, history of trauma, and local or systemic pathology. This can result in the loss of joint mobility and have impact on activities of daily living, occupational demands, and restrict community participation and recreation. All joints and ligaments in the body undergo age-related changes in addition, they are susceptible to age-related diseases and injury. The older adult exhibits specific joint and ligamentous changes, which ultimately can affect an individual’s function.
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