Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling due to the breakdown of cartilage, with treatments focused on symptom management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which often develops as a result of aging and the wear and tear of articular cartilage. This type of arthritis leads to symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, typically worsening after exercise or prolonged activity. Contributing factors to osteoarthritis include injuries, physical labor, certain sports, and being overweight. While there's no cure for osteoarthritis, treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly joint replacement surgery can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.