The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a complicated illness. There are many types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both of these types affect the joints and both can cause the afflicted person pain. However, it is important to note that these two types of arthritis are not the same. Each is distinct from the other and it's important to recognize these distinctions for both diagnosis and treatment.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both extremely painful conditions. Osteoarthritis is the most typical arthritis type affecting people and even animals. Rheumatoid arthritis is not as widespread but is considered the most debilitating kind of arthritis.

The primary difference that can be seen between osteoarthritis and RA is their cause. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning it occurs because of the wear and tear on cartilage in the joint. RA is an autoimmune condition, wherein the body's own immune system is the perpetrator.

Another difference that you can see in both conditions is the age when it usually occurs in people. Osteoarthritis generally affects the elderly because of the longer period of time that they have been using their joints, providing more time for the wear and tear. RA, on the other hand, can affect people at any age, including teenagers and children.

The speed at which osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis progress is also different. Osteoarthritis slowly progresses over a period of time. It can get worse as the person uses the joint more and/or as he/she grow older. RA, however, increases in its severity rapidly. In fact, after its initial onset, the arthritis can get worse after a month or even just a week.

The symptoms of both are also different. Both types include pain and swelling. Whereas the pain caused by osteoarthritis is localized exclusively in the joints, the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis can extend to other areas of the body. With osteoarthritis, the pain you feel may increase later in the day; with rheumatoid arthritis the pain and stiffness can increase earlier in the day.

Both types can also be diagnosed differently. Although most of the methods used to diagnose the two are similar, the diagnosing methods used for rheumatoid arthritis include more laboratory tests.

Both types can be treated through medications, but osteoarthritis can also be treated by changing a person's lifestyle through exercising and eating right. However, drugs are the only treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

It is important to know the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The distinction needs to be better understood so as to know how each disease works and develops. This knowledge can help both in catching the disease early and in order to get the right treatment for it.