Elaine, an overweight 70-year-old woman, suffers from painful joints. The bones of her knees and hips grind together, causing pain. She takes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by her physician to relieve the discomfort. Elaine is most likely suffering from _____.

A) osteoarthritis
B) tuberculosis
C) diabetes mellitus
D) chronic bronchitis

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, causing pain, swelling, and diminished motion in the affected joints.

Over-the-counter

Refers to drugs and medications that can be purchased without a prescription.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Medications designed to reduce inflammation, relieving symptoms like swelling, pain, and redness, commonly used in conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.