Answer :
Final answer:
Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, is mainly caused by the aging and wear of joint cartilage and bone, exacerbated by mechanical stress and inflammation.
Explanation:
The main cause of degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis (OA), is the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. This condition is primarily associated with aging and "wear and tear" on the joints. Key factors contributing to OA include mechanical stress leading to insufficient self-repair of cartilage, coupled with low-grade inflammation of the joints.
Risk factors such as joint injury, physical labor, certain sports, and being overweight exacerbate the stress on articular cartilage, causing it to thin over time. As the cartilage wears down, joint movement becomes painful due to increased bone pressure, swelling from excess synovial fluid, and inflammation. Treatments focus on alleviating symptoms through lifestyle changes, medication, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.
