Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis: the Difference?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are two of the most common types of arthritis. While they share some similarities, such as joint pain and stiffness, they are actually quite different conditions.

RA is an autoimmune disease, which means that it is caused by the body's immune system attacking its own tissues. In RA, the immune system attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the joints. This inflammation can cause the synovium to thicken and produce fluid, which can lead to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. RA can also affect other organs in the body, such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

OA is a degenerative joint disease, which means that it is caused by the wear and tear of the joints. OA is most common in older adults, but it can also occur in younger people. OA occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. OA typically affects the joints in the hands, feet, knees, and hips.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between RA and OA:

| Feature | RA | OA |

|---|---|---|

| Cause | Autoimmune disease | Degenerative joint disease |

| Age of onset | Typically occurs in adulthood, but can also occur in children | Typically occurs in older adults, but can also occur in younger people |

| Joints affected | Can affect any joint in the body, but most commonly affects the joints in the hands, feet, knees, and hips | Typically affects the joints in the hands, feet, knees, and hips |

| Symptoms | Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth, redness, fatigue, weight loss | Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of motion, crepitus (a grating or grinding sound when the joint is moved) |

| Treatment | Medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery | Medications to relieve pain and inflammation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, weight loss, surgery |

If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of arthritis and improve your quality of life.