CARTILAGE DEGENERATION
By Mary Ann Wildon, RN
After the age of 35, cartilage is especially vulnerable. It starts to dry out, crack, and shrink. The once-smooth surface becomes jagged. This painful condition is called degenerative arthritis. While there can be a hereditary component,
it also occurs when you don’t exercise enough, or if you exercise too much. The key is to keep the damage to a minimum by keeping your weight down and taking the joints through range of motion each day.