Which term is the degenerative joint disease that commonly affects weight-bearing joints?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Inflammation
• C. Osteoarthritis
• D. Blood Clot

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is recognizing the degenerative joint disease that most often affects weight-bearing joints. Osteoarthritis fits this description because it is a wear-and-tear condition where articular cartilage in joints like the knees, hips, and spine wears down over time. This degeneration reduces joint space and can lead to pain, stiffness, and pain with weight bearing as the bones rub together and bone changes (such as osteophyte formation) occur.

Arthritis is a broad term for joint inflammation and can be inflammatory or noninflammatory; it’s not specific to the degenerative process. Inflammation refers to the body’s response and can be present in many conditions, not specifically a degenerative joint disease. A blood clot is not related to a degenerative joint disease at all.