Answer :
Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease marked by the breakdown of cartilage and bone, leading to joint pain and stiffness. It is the most common type of arthritis, caused by aging and wear and tear on the joints. Management includes exercise, medications, and potentially joint replacements to relieve symptoms.
Explanation:
Degenerative joint disease, commonly known as osteoarthritis (OA), is a joint disorder that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone. This condition is most often caused by wear and tear on the joints that occurs over time. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, where the articular cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates.
Aging and mechanical stress are considered significant contributors to the development of OA, leading to insufficient self-repair of cartilage and low-grade inflammation. Symptoms typically include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, with the discomfort worsening after exercise or pressure on the joint. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can become constant and more debilitating. Although no cure is available, management strategies such as exercise, medications, and in severe cases, joint replacements are used to alleviate symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 32.5 million adults in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis, highlighting the prevalence and impact of this chronic condition on population health
