Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and potential inflammation. It's often caused by aging, joint wear and tear, and can worsen due to several risk factors such as injury and obesity. Treatments focus on pain relief, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best definition of osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and bone, most often due to wear and tear on joints and associated with aging. OA is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling and decreased range of motion. These symptoms may initially occur after exercise or prolonged activity, and over time, they may become constant, which can negatively affect daily activities and work.
Causes of osteoarthritis include mechanical stress on the joints with insufficient self-repair of cartilage, and often coupled with low-grade inflammation. Common risk factors for developing OA include joint injury, jobs that require physical labor, certain sports, and being overweight. The condition progresses as joint cartilage erodes, bones rub against each other, leading to pain, and possible development of joint deformities.
Treatments for osteoarthritis can include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and low-impact exercise, medical interventions using over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.