There are over a hundred types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common. However, it is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is identified as the most debilitating. Most people do not know that there are over a hundred types of arthritis and many would not even know if what they have is osteoarthritis or RA. Here are some of their differences:
1. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning that as we continue using our cartilage, it gets torn. When this happens, the cartilage cannot cushion the end of the bones where they meet up and make joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks its own body.
2. Onset: Osteoarthritis usually affects people after middle age as a person’s joints have been in use for a longer period of time. RA, though, can affect a person at any age. The primary part of the joint attacked by rheumatoid arthritis is the synovial (the lining of the joint), but it can also affect other parts of the body.
3. Causes: Osteoarthritis is usually associated with natural aging. When we get older, the cartilage gets damaged and that causes osteoarthritis. The damage is caused by the increased fluid on the cartilage and the increased level of protein. Other factors that make a person at risk are injuries, stress of joints due to repetitive use, being overweight and genetics. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis’s cause is still unknown. Some experts believe it is caused by the genes’ inclination or that it can be triggered by an event.
4. Symptoms: The most common sign that you have osteoarthritis is a pain you feel when your joints are in use. In the morning, you may also feel stiffness in the joints for up to thirty minutes, with the pain getting worse in the afternoon. If you immobilize yourself, the joints become stiff, swollen and feel warm. You may also have bony enlargements or bone spurs if you have osteoarthritis. RA can be characterized by worse stiffness during the morning. The pain you feel can affect the small bones in the hand and feet. It can also decrease a person’s energy. Rheumatoid arthritis does not just affect one knee joint but two. It can also affect your kidney, lungs and heart.
5. Diagnosing: X-rays can be taken to diagnose both diseases. There are laboratory tests that can be done If you think you have rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Treatment: Osteoarthritis can be treated in different ways, from using medications and physical therapies to nutritional supplements (e.g., MSM glucosamine chondroitin) to homeopathic remedies. RA is typically treated with medications.
These are the main differences between rheumatoid arthritis vs arthritis. While both are types of arthritis, they are very different in many aspects.
About the Author
Carole Gayle is a freelance writer who focuses on health-related topics. Visit the Arthritis Pain Cure center for additional information about natural arthritis remedies and to sign up for the free monthly newsletter.
Categories : health diseases and conditions