Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to pain and stiffness, typically due to wear and tear. This degenerative joint disease can be exacerbated by certain risk factors and may be managed through lifestyle changes and medications, or surgery in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition caused by the breakdown and eventual destruction of cartilage in a joint is known as osteoarthritis (OA). This joint disorder is typically a result of wear and tear on joints, leading to cartilage injuries and bone deterioration. OA manifests through symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, which may initially occur only after exercise but can become constant over time. As cartilage deteriorates, it causes joint pain and stiffness due to the increased friction between bones. Risk factors like joint injury, physical labor, certain sports activities, and being overweight contribute to OA by putting stress on the articular cartilage. Treatment for osteoarthritis may include lifestyle changes like weight loss and low-impact exercise, medications for pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.