Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis caused by the degeneration of joint cartilage due to aging and wear and tear, leading to inflammation and pain. It progresses from the thinning of cartilage to more severe joint damage and pain, with treatments focusing on alleviating symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of arthritis caused by the degeneration of cartilage in joints, which results in the wearing of the surfaces of articulating bones, causing inflammation and pain, is known as osteoarthritis. This condition is commonly associated with aging and the "wear and tear" of joints. Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include joint injury, physically demanding jobs, specific sports activities, and being overweight, all of which can add stress to the articular cartilage at synovial joints. Over time, this stress can lead to the cartilage becoming thinner and the underlying bone tissue to thicken and form irregularities, making the joint surfaces rough and creating pain and inflammation. Exercise and mild activity may help reduce symptoms in the early stages, but in more advanced cases, the pain can become constant and severe, limiting mobility. Treatments focus on pain relief through lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly joint replacement surgery in extreme cases.