What Is the Difference Between R.A. & Arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical term that means "joint inflammation." There are more than 100 types of diseases that fall under this category. One of the most common is rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis

• Arthritis and RA are both chronic diseases. Arthritis can attack at any age and attacks any gender. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in older women. Both can be treated but not cured.

Symptoms

• All arthritis affects your joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and cartilage damage. In addition to these symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Complications

• Arthritis can be painful enough to hinder routine activities such as dressing, walking, bending and gripping. Rheumatoid arthritis can actually cause joint deformation and loss of movement, creating a permanent disability. It can also have a negative impact on the body's heart and lungs.

Causes

• Causes of arthritis include overuse of joints, excessive drinking and poor diet. It can also be hereditary. The cause of RA is unknown, but it occurs when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's joints.

Treatment

• Treatments for arthritis include hot/cold therapy, massage therapy, medication and surgery. Treatments for RA include medication, exercise, and self-management and joint protection techniques.