---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/joint-problems'
title: 'Joint Problems'
author:
  name: 'Jennifer Cross'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/102'
date: '2018-11-21T17:33:27+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-09T21:09:20+00:00'
type: topic
summary: 'Your musculoskeletal system is made of bones, muscles, and joints. The bones attach to each other at a joint, where tendons and ligaments help connect the bones. On the ends of each bone is a lining of smooth, protective cartilage. As you get older, your cartilage may start to deteriorate from normal wear and tear.'
tags:
  - Health
published: true
---
 A person’s bones, muscles, and joints make up the musculoskeletal system.

Bones meet each other at places called joints. Tendons and ligaments connect bones to muscles and help support movement.

At the end of each bone is a smooth, protective layer called cartilage. There are also soft tissues (called synovial membranes) that make a fluid (synovial fluid). This fluid helps the bones move smoothly and easily within the joints.

[Basic Facts](/a-z-topic/joint-problems/basic-facts)

[Causes](/a-z-topic/joint-problems/causes)

[Symptoms](/a-z-topic/joint-problems/symptoms)

[Diagnosis & Tests](/a-z-topic/joint-problems/tests)

[Care & Treatment](/a-z-topic/joint-problems/care-treatment)

[Lifestyle & Management](/a-z-topic/joint-problems/lifestyle)