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Osteoarthritis is characterized by cartilage destruction, which leads to a gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This degenerative joint disease commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. The condition is marked by a combination of factors including age, joint injury, and mechanical stress, all contributing to the degradation of cartilage. As the cartilage wears away, it diminishes the joint’s ability to absorb shock, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. The body may attempt to heal by forming bone spurs, but this can complicate the situation further and lead to significant discomfort.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis involves an autoimmune response that primarily affects the synovial membrane but may eventually also involve the cartilage and bone. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, but it does not primarily involve cartilage destruction. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain and does not involve inflammation or damage to joint structures, including cartilage. Therefore, osteoarthritis is the condition specifically known for its direct impact on cartilage integrity.