Difference of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Septic Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is a blanket term covering more than 100 different diseases and conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis and septic arthritis have similar symptoms and similar causes, but different treatments. Here is a breakdown of the signs and symptoms of each, and treatment options available.

Septic Arthritis Causes

• Septic arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is caused by bacterial or, less commonly, fungal infection. The infection infiltrates the joint, causing extreme pain. Septic arthritis typically only affects one joint, usually the knee.

Septic Arthritis Signs & Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of septic arthritis include:
  - Pain
  - Swelling
  - Fever
  - Chills
  - Warmth of the affected joint

Septic Arthritis Treatments

• Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, and do joint drainage to remove the infected synovial fluid. The drainage also reduces pressure on the joint and gives the doctor a sample for testing.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

• The Arthritis Foundation says there is no one cause for rheumatoid arthritis, but that RA may be caused by a combination of factors. What is known is that something triggers the body's immune system to attack the synovial membranes of the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs & Symptoms

• Common signs and symptoms of RA include:
  - Weakness
  - Fatigue
  - Stiffness, especially in the affected joints
  - Flu-like symptoms
  - Occurrence of flare-ups of the disease followed by periods of remission

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

• The Arthritis Foundation says rheumatoid arthritis is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, although treatments are tailored to each patient's conditions. More severe cases may call for immune-suppressing drugs or even surgery.