A key characteristic of osteoarthritis is that it often leads to joint inflammation, although it is primarily characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlining bone. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears away, leading to pain and stiffness. While inflammation can occur, it is typically less pronounced than in other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease causing significant joint inflammation.
The other options do not accurately describe osteoarthritis. It is not classified as an inflammatory autoimmune disease; rather, that description fits conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is generally considered a degenerative joint disease that affects older adults more frequently than young adults, contrasting the assertion that it primarily affects young adults. Additionally, osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that tends to be irreversible, with treatment focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life rather than reversing the disease itself.