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Why Do Bones & Joints Ache With Age?

As we age, our joints may become worn down, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis, considered the "wear and tear" form of arthritis. People who develop rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, also experience aches and pains, although the condition is not exclusive to the middle-aged and elderly.

  1. Arthritis

    • When a joint becomes inflamed, swelling, stiffness, pain and limited movement are common symptoms, according to the ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but cartilage breakdown and subsequent inflammation are common features of the various forms of arthritis.

    Lost Cartilage

    • Cartilage serves to protect our joints and enables us to move smoothly. When pressure is placed on the joint--when you walk, for instance--the cartilage absorbs the shock. When the cartilage breaks down due to overuse or advanced age, the bones begin to rub together, typically causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

    Bursitis

    • Joint pain can also be caused by inflammation of the bursae, which are the fluid-filled sacs that pad bony prominences in our body and cushion them, allowing tendons and muscles to move freely over bones. When the bursae become inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.

    Fibromyalgia

    • Another cause of severe joint pain is a condition called fibromyalgia, according to the ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can progress from tender points in muscles, joints, tendons and other soft tissues to long-term, widespread pain. An individual can have this condition alone or in addition to other musculoskeletal conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

    Bone Pain

    • Bone pain is less common than muscle or joint pain, but bone pain may be caused by a fracture or by cancer that has metastasized or spread to bones.

    Other Causes

    • Other conditions that can cause your bones to ache include infection, osteoporosis, disruption of the blood supply, osteomyelitis (infected bones), leukemia or overuse, according to the ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia. Bone pain should be taken very seriously and brought to the attention of a medical professional.

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