What type of condition is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is categorized as a type of joint disease, which occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually deteriorates. This process leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints, making movement difficult. It primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine, and is associated with aging, wear and tear, and sometimes previous joint injuries or obesity. Understanding osteoarthritis as a joint disease is crucial for recognizing its symptoms and potential treatments, which often include pain relief strategies, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. The other options, such as a skin condition, infectious disease, or neurological disorder, do not apply to osteoarthritis, as they pertain to different body systems or health categories unrelated to the degenerative nature of joint issues.