Age Related Problems

Osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of the smooth, glass-like hyaline cartilage that cushions the joints, combined with bony spur formation and changes in the subchondral bone. As this protective layer thins, the joints stiffen and lose their ability to absorb shock, leading to reduced movement and pain.

You’ll typically experience a deep, aching discomfort in the affected joints—often hips, knees, hands or spine—that worsens with weight-bearing or use and eases slightly with gentle activity. Morning stiffness lasting under 30 minutes, audible crepitus (grinding) on movement and occasional swelling are common signs, and over time you may notice reduced range and joint deformity.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic condition in which bones lose density and strength due to calcium and vitamin D depletion, becoming brittle and prone to cracking. Compression stress fractures occur when weakened vertebrae collapse under normal load, most commonly affecting the spine, hips and wrists in older adults—particularly post-menopausal women.

Recognition often follows a minor bump or strain that produces a sudden, sharp pain—such as a low back ache from a simple lift or turn—indicating a vertebral wedge fracture. You may also notice gradual height loss, a stooped posture, such as dowager’s hump and tenderness over the fractured vertebrae, while hip or wrist fractures can present with immediate pain, swelling and impaired function after minimal trauma.

Sarcopenia is describes loss of muscle mass and strength. Tendinopathy relates to chronic degeneration of tendons. Both can occur as a result of age-related hormonal changes, reduced protein production and underuse in more sedentary lifestyles. Together they diminish power and resilience in muscles and their tendon attachments.

Sarcopenia in the elderly can be often present with progressive difficulty rising from chairs, climbing stairs or carrying everyday loads, along with early muscle fatigue and a decline in walking speed. Tendinopathy presents as localised tendon pain and stiffness—often in the shoulders, knees or Achilles—worsening with use and tender to touch, as a result of the diminished capacity of ageing tendons to withstand load.