Activity Could Help Keep Knees Lubricated

Cartilage is filled with fluid -- about 80% of the volume of the cartilage tissue -- that plays the essential roles of supporting weight and lubricating joint surfaces. Loss of this fluid, called synovial fluid, results in a gradual decrease in cartilage thickness and increase in friction, which is related to the degradation and joint pain of osteoarthritis.

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered that joint motion provides a potential reuptake mechanism for maintaining fluid pressure in liquid-filled joints.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/641210/?sc=mwhn