The Difference Between Rheumatoid & Osteo Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a degenerative joint disease characterinzed by the deterioration of joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition of inflammation of the joint tissues. It causes joints to become deformed.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

• Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, tenderness and stiffness, losing flexibility, bone spurs around affected joints and grating sensations when you use affected joints.

Rheumatoid Symptoms

• Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and tenderness, fever, problems sleeping, fatigue, lumps under the skin and inflammation of salivary and tear glands and inflammation of heart and lung linings.

Causes

• Osteoarthritis causes may include heredity, joint injury and stress, being overweight, getting older and muscle weakness. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but may be linked to infection.

Risks

• Risk factors for osteoarthritis include joint injury, being over 40, obesity, bone deformities and having a job which puts stress on joints. Risks for rheumatoid arthritis include smoking, being female and between ages 25 and 50.

Treatment

• Both conditions are treated with pain medicines such as cortisone, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and surgery to repair or replace joints.