Which condition is primarily caused by wear and tear of the cartilage?

Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by the wear and tear of cartilage, which is the connective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joints. Over time, aging, repetitive stress, or injuries can lead to the breakdown of this cartilage. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may begin to rub against each other, resulting in pain, inflammation, and decreased joint mobility, which are characteristic features of osteoarthritis.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition that results in joint inflammation and deformity due to the immune system attacking the synovial lining of joints, osteoarthritis specifically arises from mechanical damage to the joint cartilage. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage rather than joint issues, and chronic low back pain can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, disc herniation, or osteoarthritis itself, but it is not exclusively defined by cartilage wear and tear. Hence, osteoarthritis stands out as the condition directly linked to the deterioration of cartilage due to mechanical factors.