Which term means inflammation of a joint, usually caused by normal wear and tear?

Which term means inflammation of a joint, usually caused by normal wear and tear?

• A. Osteoarthritis (OA)
• B. Kyphosis
• C. Scoliosis
• D. Arthritis

Answer: (D)

Joint inflammation is called arthritis, but when that issue comes from aging and the normal wear and tear of joints over time, the specific condition is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the affected joints. The general term arthritis covers various conditions that cause joint inflammation, not all of which are due to wear and tear. The other terms refer to spinal conditions—curvatures of the spine—rather than inflammation of a joint—so they don’t describe this scenario.

Joint inflammation is called arthritis, but when that issue comes from aging and the normal wear and tear of joints over time, the specific condition is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the affected joints. The general term arthritis covers various conditions that cause joint inflammation, not all of which are due to wear and tear. The other terms refer to spinal conditions—curvatures of the spine—rather than inflammation of a joint—so they don’t describe this scenario.