Reviewed by Dr Ilma Imtiaz

Quick answer: Degenerative joint changes happen when the normal balance between maintaining and breaking down joint tissues begins to shift. Cartilage can gradually become thinner and less resilient, but the process can also involve the underlying bone, joint lining and surrounding tissues. Age is one factor, but previous injuries, joint loading, body weight, genetics and other biological factors can all play a role.

What happens as joints change over time?

Healthy joints are designed to handle movement and load. At the center of this function is articular cartilage, which covers the ends of bones, creating a smooth surface for movement while helping absorb and distribute forces through the joint. Cartilage contains a structural network made largely from type II collagen and proteoglycans: collagen provides strength, while proteoglycans help retain water and resist compression. To maintain this structure, cells called chondrocytes continually produce and replace components of the cartilage matrix [1-2].

With degenerative joint changes, however, this balance can gradually shift toward greater breakdown. Cartilage may become less resilient and begin to thin, while changes can also occur in the underlying bone and the synovium, the tissue lining the joint. For this reason, degenerative joint disease, most commonly used to describe osteoarthritis, is now understood as more than simple “wear and tear,” as the whole joint can be involved.

Why do these joint changes happen?

There is rarely one single cause. Instead, joint health reflects a combination of mechanical and biological factors that can accumulate over time. Age can affect how well joint tissues adapt and repair, while a previous joint injury can change how forces are distributed through a joint. Joint alignment, repetitive loading, body weight, genetics and muscle strength can also influence the stresses placed on joint tissues [1-2].

For this reason, degenerative joint changes are not limited to older adults. Previous injuries, joint mechanics and individual biology can all influence when and how these changes develop.

Why can joints become stiff or swollen?

Cartilage is not the only tissue affected by degenerative joint changes. The synovium, the thin tissue lining the inside of the joint, can also become involved. As joint tissues break down, released fragments can contribute to inflammatory signaling within the joint, which may affect the synovium and increase joint fluid. This can contribute to the swelling and stiffness some people experience [2-3].

Inflammation can therefore be part of degenerative joint changes, further showing why the process involves more than cartilage simply “wearing away.”

Can worn cartilage grow back?

Articular cartilage has a limited ability to repair itself, particularly once substantial structural damage has occurred. This is important when interpreting research on joint supplements. An ingredient may be studied for supporting joint comfort, function or normal connective-tissue metabolism, but these findings should not be interpreted as evidence that it rebuilds or regrows lost cartilage.

What can support healthy joints?

Supporting joint health generally involves several approaches working together. Regular movement helps maintain mobility, while resistance exercise strengthens the muscles that support and stabilize joints, and maintaining an appropriate body weight can help manage the mechanical load on weight-bearing joints.

Nutrition also contributes to normal connective-tissue maintenance, with adequate protein providing amino acids used throughout the musculoskeletal system and vitamin C supporting normal collagen formation.

Specific collagen peptides have also been investigated for joint comfort and function. Fortigel® is a standardized bioactive collagen peptide studied at 5 g per day, with randomized controlled trials reporting improvements in activity-related or functional joint discomfort after 12 weeks in physically active and general adult populations [4-5].

The broader collagen literature has reported similar improvements in measures of joint comfort and function, although formulations and study populations vary [6-7]. Persistent pain, swelling, locking, instability or sudden changes in joint function should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Take-home message

Our joints adapt to movement and loading throughout life, and changes can happen at any age. The goal is not to try to “replace” worn cartilage, but to support the joint as a whole. Staying active, maintaining muscle strength, eating well and paying attention to persistent changes in how your joints feel or function are practical places to start. Specific collagen peptides have also been studied for supporting joint comfort and function, but they are one part of the broader joint-health picture.

FAQs

Is degenerative joint disease the same as osteoarthritis?
The terms are often used interchangeably, with osteoarthritis being the more specific clinical term.

Is joint degeneration just normal wear and tear?
Not quite. Mechanical loading matters, but biological, inflammatory and individual factors are also involved.

Why can a degenerative joint become swollen?
Changes in the joint lining and increased joint fluid can contribute to swelling and stiffness.

Can collagen supplements regrow cartilage?
There is not sufficient evidence to say that collagen supplements regrow lost cartilage. Specific collagen peptides have instead been studied for outcomes such as joint comfort and function.

Can degenerative joint changes happen when you're young?
Yes. Age increases risk, but previous injuries, joint mechanics, genetics and other factors can contribute earlier in life.

References

[1] Elmajee M, Mersal M, Zehra B, et al. Knee osteoarthritis: current insights into pathophysiology and non-surgical management options. Cureus. 2025;17(10):e95302. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.95302

[2] Chen T, Chen W, Xu T, et al. Osteoarthritis: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. MedComm (2020). 2026;7(4):e70727. https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70727

[3] Mobasheri A, Castro-Domínguez F, Gualillo O, Kluzek S, Ruiz SP, Largo R. Targeting synovial inflammation in knee osteoarthritis: translational insights for diagnosis and therapy. J Orthop Translat. 2026;56:101012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jot.2025.10.004

[4] Zdzieblik D, Brame J, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, König D. The influence of specific bioactive collagen peptides on knee joint discomfort in young physically active adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2021;13(2):523. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020523

[5] Schulze C, Schunck M, Zdzieblik D, Oesser S. Impact of specific bioactive collagen peptides on joint discomforts in the lower extremity during daily activities: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(6):687. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060687

[6] Ravindran R, Pizzol D, López-Gil JF, et al. Collagen supplementation for skin and musculoskeletal health: an umbrella review of meta-analyses on elasticity, hydration, and structural outcomes. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2026;8:ojag018. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojag018

[7] Park SY, Lee SH, Kim HT, Park HJ, Kim DU, Kim SU, Heo I. Efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1644899. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1644899

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.