There are several different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms. Although the symptoms of these two types of arthritis can be similar, it is very important to distinguish them in order to determine the appropriate treatment.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis commonly known as “wear and tear” arthritis. This disease develops as the cartilage breaks down and the joints begin to rub against each other. When cartilage (the flexible tissue that connects joints) breaks down, the joints no longer have the padding they need to move and spread properly. This lack of support causes the synovium (the membrane that surrounds the joint) to swell.
As the cartilage continues to wear down, the bones eventually rub against each other, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it often affects the joints in the hands, neck, knees, and hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis, another common type of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints of the hands, elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and feet. This form of arthritis can also damage organs, as well as the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system, which is why this disease is considered a “systemic” disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system’s attack on the synovium. The immune system mistakes the synovium for a foreign invader and attacks it like an infection or virus. The cause of this erroneous autoimmune attack is unknown.
There are several types of rheumatoid arthritis, such as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other common types of arthritis such as psoriatic arthritis.
The difference between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is in the way these diseases damage the body. While OA is a degenerative disease caused by a physical breakdown of cartilage and eventually bone, RA is an autoimmune disease caused by a reaction in the immune system.
Systemic vs. Degenerative
Because RA is a systemic disease, it can attack multiple joints and areas of the body at the same time. A systemic disease is one that affects an entire body system at once, instead of affecting a single organ or area of the body.
When RA is present, a person’s immune system perceives their joints, the synovial tissues that surround their joints, and other healthy organs as viruses or foreign invaders that need to be expelled from the body. In response to these invaders, the body’s white blood cells will rush to the joint or organ site and create antibodies to destroy the perceived threat.
OA, on the other hand, is a degenerative disease and usually originates from a single joint. Unlike RA, this degenerative disease is not inflammatory; it deteriorates (or degenerates) the connective cartilage between the joints and, finally, deteriorates the bones. OA is sometimes called “wear and tear” arthritis because it is the result of natural aging and years of wear and tear on the joints.
RA (a systemic disease) is caused by an autoimmune response and OA (a degenerative disease) is caused by years of wear and tear.
Because osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are caused by different factors, they cause different symptoms.
A person who has rheumatoid arthritis may experience fatigue, malaise, and depression, preceding other symptoms by weeks or months. These are common symptoms of systemic diseases, as critical body systems, such as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, are under attack. These systems have key responsibilities in the body, and any damage to these systems can derail neurological, physiological, and physical functions.
These are other symptoms of RA:
Osteoarthritis manifests itself differently throughout the body. Because this disease attacks the cartilage between the joints and not the body systems (like RA), symptoms are usually felt around the joints. Severe joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are common, along with the following symptoms:
It is important that we determine the type of arthritis a patient has in order to develop an effective treatment plan.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed
Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed by a series of tests, along with a physical exam and an evaluation of your medical history.
Here are some of the common tests used to diagnose OA:
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Diagnosed
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually diagnosed by a series of tests, including physical exams, blood tests, and X-rays.
Here are some of the common tests used to diagnose RA:
How Osteoarthritis Is Treated:
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis cannot be reversed or treated. We offer various treatments and pain relievers to help OA patients manage unpleasant symptoms.
How rheumatoid arthritis is treated:
Unfortunately, there is also no treatment to reverse rheumatoid arthritis. Various medications can be given along with therapy to help patients manage RA symptoms.
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