
Joint Wear and Tear
Joint wear and tear, commonly known as osteoarthritis, is a condition where the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint gradually breaks down over time. This deterioration causes bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased joint function. Factors like aging, repetitive stress, injury, or genetics can accelerate this process. Essentially, it’s the body's way of showing that the joint has been used extensively or has endured damage, resulting in the gradual loss of smooth, painless movement.