Your Natural Joint "Lubricant" Thins Out
Your joints produce a fluid called synovial fluid — think of it as your body's natural WD-40. It keeps everything moving smoothly.
After 50, your body produces less hyaluronic acid, which is a key component of this fluid. The result? Movements start feeling "sticky" or require more effort.
This isn't damage — it's biological aging. But it explains why your knees feel "locked" in the morning.
Cartilage Acts as Your Natural "Cushion"
Cartilage is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of your bones — it's like a built-in shock absorber.
Over time, this cushion naturally wears down. Less cushioning = more stiffness. That's why activities that used to be effortless now require a "warm-up period."
Your body can still produce the building blocks for cartilage (like collagen), but the process slows down significantly after 45.
Why It Gets Progressively Worse
Here's the tough part: less synovial fluid + thinner cartilage = increased friction.
More friction means more stress on your joints. More stress accelerates the wear. It's a cycle — which is why "just resting" doesn't fix the underlying issue.
The good news? This process isn't irreversible. Your body can still respond to the right support — it just needs the right raw materials.