Degenerative arthritis

Arthritis /ar·thri·tis/ pl. arthri´tides inflammation of a joint. acute arthritis arthritis marked by pain, heat, redness, and swelling. [more]Degenerative arthritis - Community and Resources

Noun
1. chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints; the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age
(synonym) osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease
(hypernym) arthritis

Also known as osteoarthritis, this type of arthritis is caused by inflammation, breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting usually the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Also called degenerative joint disease.

A chronic, noninflammatory disease characterized by the progressive deterioration of cartilage at joints and of the underlying bone.