How to Determine Which Arthritis You Have

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is generally more severe than osteoarthritis (OA) and is caused by the immune system attacking your body. OA is the result of long-term stress on your body and generally strikes when a person is in middle age, or over the age of 40. RA can affect anyone, even children, but it usually occurs in the 20 to 60 age group.

Instructions

The Differences

• 1

  Be aware that these two conditions are quite different. Dr. Roy Altman, clinical professor of rheumatology at UCLA, explains on Abcnews.go.com that RA and OA are very different diseases even though people sometimes confuse them. RA is an inflammatory disease of the soft tissues that surround the synovium, which is the sack around your joints. The inflammation from RA can become so bad that it causes secondary damage to the joint. OA, on the other hand, is the result of reactive changes in the soft tissues and bones as a result of years of wear and tear on the cartilage in the joint.

• 2

  OA doesn't cause hot, red joints, fever or weight loss as does RA, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The two main types of osteoarthritis are primary, which is generalized and affects the hips, knees, spine, thumbs and fingers, and secondary, which pops up after an injury or inflammation in a joint.

• 3

  Going through menopause will probably increase your chances of becoming afflicted with OA, which may be due in part to hormonal factors. OA can be genetic. If other people in your family have it, you are at a higher risk of developing it. RA is also genetic.

• 4

  Grinding and clicking sounds may be heard coming from your joints if you have OA, which is the most common form of arthritis, notes the Mayo Clinic. When the cartilage, which serves as a cap for the bones in your joints, wears away, you are going to experience pain. RA involves the inflammation of the synovial membrane, the job of which is to lubricate and protect joints. The inflammation results in swelling and pain, and your joints are no longer protected. Your joints can actually erode as a result of RA.

• 5

  Be aware that RA attacks women more than men. OA is more of an equal opportunity condition, although women still outnumber men in reported cases. Osteoarthritis affects the joints, whereas RA can be felt throughout your entire body, according to Rheumatoidarthritis.com.