What condition is characterized by degeneration of cartilage due to prolonged use?

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage due to prolonged use and wear-and-tear of the joints. This condition commonly occurs with aging and is often referred to as degenerative joint disease. As the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears away, it leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joints.

The primary distinction of osteoarthritis is its association with mechanical stress on the joints over time, making it more prevalent in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. This degenerative process can also involve changes in the surrounding bone, formation of bone spurs, and inflammation of the joint lining as the condition progresses.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that affects the synovial membrane of the joints and is not primarily caused by wear and tear. Gout involves the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and intense pain, rather than the gradual degeneration seen in osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and is not primarily associated with joint degeneration or cartilage issues. Thus, the correct response highlights the nature of osteoarthritis as a degenerative condition resulting from prolonged mechanical stress on the joint structures.