Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is the medical term used to refer to the inflammation of the joints. There are about 150 varieties of arthritis that have been identified. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are described as the most common of these varieties.Sometimes people are confused as to what type of arthritis they suffer from. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two totally different types of arthritis. This article shall establish all the common points of distinction which will help you distinguish both types of arthritis.

General Description

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive break down of bone cartilage. This medical condition is the result of aging, trauma, or advanced wear and tear. The parts that are usually affected are the hips, knees, lower spine, and hands.

Women are prone to the hand involvement and are affected as early as in their 20s. This debilitating condition causes classic deformities to the fingers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is defined as anti-inflammatory disease of the soft tissues around the joint and the synovium. The synovium is the lining of the joint.

It is classified as an autoimmune disease. The more advanced types can affect all other organs of the body and multiple joints are usually involved with rheumatoid arthritis.

This severe inflammation usually leads to the secondary damage of the joint. It is considered as the most crippling and disabling type of arthritis.

Causes of Osteoarthritis and RA

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is basically an age-related disease. The disease is characterized by the increase of water content with the progressive degeneration of the protein composition of the cartilage.

The factors that increase the risk of developing arthritis include:

* Joint injury
* Repetitive use and stress of joints
* Weight problems
* Family history

RA

This type of arthritis has continued to confound medical experts about the causes for the abnormal autoimmune response associated with the disease. Several theories suggest to a possible link of the disease to a genetic predisposition and a triggering event.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis often attacks the larger weight-bearing joints, which include the hips and knees. It is generally associated with pain in the affected joint after repetitive use or activity. It is involves morning stiffness which lasts a half hour or less and joint pain that worsens as the day progresses. The joints affected by osteoarthritis can also swell, feel warm, and become stiff after prolonged activity. Osteoarthritis also results to the development of bone spurs, bony enlargement and limited range of motion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

RA specifically affects the smaller joints of the hands, wrists and feet. The stiffness experienced due to rheumatoid arthritis is worse after rest, especially first thing in the morning. This stiffness normally last at least 30 minutes or more. Further, rheumatoid tends to affect the knuckles and the wrist more. These are points that are usually not affected by osteoarthritis.

These are the major points that establish the wide ranging difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is essential that the major distinctions between the two types of arthritis are accurately established. This determines the success of the diagnosis of these types of arthritis.