Final answer:
Aging contributes to the wear and tear of joints, leading to osteoarthritis, which is marked by the breakdown of articular cartilage, causing joint stiffness and pain. The disease is associated with several risk factors and can be treated through lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aging process of the musculoskeletal system contributes to the wear and tear of joints leading to osteoarthritis, which is a common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the articular cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. This degeneration can lead to inflammation, resulting in joint stiffness and pain, as well as reduced mobility and swelling of the joint cavity. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include aging, injury to the joint, physical labor, certain sports activities, and being overweight, all of which can stress the articular cartilage.
Osteoarthritis symptoms may include pain during movement, swelling, and decreased flexibility. Although there is no cure, treatments are available that can help to manage pain and maintain joint mobility. These may include lifestyle changes like weight loss and low-impact exercises, medications for pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.