Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is typically caused by the mechanical stress on the joints that exceeds the capacity for cartilage repair, along with other factors like joint injuries, certain physical activities, and genetics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, often described as a result of wear and tear of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common cause of OA is mechanical stress on the joints which is not adequately compensated for by cartilage repair, and may be aggravated by a low-grade inflammation in the joints. Over time, the cartilage degrades, and bones may eventually rub directly against one another, contributing to joint pain and stiffness.
Risk factors for developing OA include aging, joint injuries, certain jobs involving physical labor, sports that stress the joints, being overweight, congenital malformations, disease, and genetics. OA symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes such as weight loss and low-impact exercise, medications to alleviate pain and inflammation, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered.