|  | Conditions Treatments | Arthritis

RA Vs. Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which joints wear down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissue.

  1. Anatomy and cause of asteoarthritis

    • Cartilage cushions joints. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage becomes rough and breaks down, allowing bones to rub together and causing damage and pain. The hands, hips, knees, neck and lower back are most commonly affected. Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unclear, possibilities include aging, injury, being overweight, weak muscles, and heredity.

    Osteoarthritis symptoms

    • Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, tenderness with pressure, stiffness after inactivity, loss of range of motion, grinding with joint movement and bone spurs.

    Treatment for osteoarthritis

    • Treatments for osteoarthritis include: analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cortisone shots to relieve pain and swelling; therapy to increase muscle strength and improve mobility; and surgery to repair damage or replace joints.

    Anatomy and cause of rheumatoid arthritis

    • A degenerative disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling of the linings of the joints, most commonly in the hands and feet. As it progresses the lining or synovium thickens, causing stiffness. Finally, irritated cells release enzymes that corrode bone and cartilage, disfiguring joints and causing loss of function. RA can also affect the entire body causing fevers, fatigue, weight loss and tissue bumps. Researchers don't know the exact cause of RA and are investigating if it is one disease or a number of diseases that present similar traits.

    Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

    • RA treatments include NSAIDS, steroids, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and immunosuppressants to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, attempt to slow joint damage, and try to control the immune system. Occupational therapy and assistance devices help modify everyday tasks, and surgery can repair damaged tendons, and replace damaged joints.

Arthritis - Related Articles