The infection-fighting chemicals cause cartilage to slowly degrade.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a chronic disease causing cartilage in joints to wear.

This causes new cartilage to develop from a so-called super-clot.

This can cause defective cartilage, which leads to more rapid deterioration of joints.

Willard's catching career came to an abrupt end on May 10, 1994, when, as a member of the Seattle Mariners versus the Chicago White Sox, a foul tip off the bat of Julio Franco struck his right shoulder, causing a fracture and damaged cartilage.

This wearing away causes cartilage to lose some of its elasticity and protective surface.