Osteoarthritis Vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. Various types of arthritis are characterized by distinguished symptoms. Arthritis in old age, caused due to the degeneration of cartilage is called osteoarthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. It is usually due to the process of wear and tear of the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is noticed in children as well as in adults. When noticed in children, it is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. If you compare osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis, you would notice that both are the diseases of joints, and both lead to restricted movement of the affected joints. The following table illustrates the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it should be kept in mind that there are always exceptions to the rules. For example, though osteoarthritis generally affects older people, these days, more and more young people are getting diagnosed with this type of arthritis. The symptoms might vary from person to person. In general, age, obesity, muscle weakness, family history and injury or overuse of joint are the risk factors for both types of arthritis. Both these types of arthritis are more common in women than in men.

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts

Facts	Osteoarthritis	Rheumatoid Arthritis
Has affected more than 21 million Americans	YES	X
Has affected over 2 million Americans	X	YES
Known as wear and tear arthritis	YES	X
Most common type of arthritis	YES	X
Affects the lining (synovium) of the joint	X	YES
Affects the cartilage (tissue which cushions the ends of bone within a joint) of the joint	YES	X
Affects only joints, not internal organs	YES	X
Joint pain, redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth around the joint	X	YES
Pain begins in one joint	YES	X
Joint damage occurs with bilateral symmetry (same joint on both sides of body)	X	YES
The disease involving the small joints of the hands and wrists	X	YES
Gradual onset of joint pain	YES	X
An inflammatory autoimmune disease	X	YES
Prolonged (lasting 30 minutes or more) morning stiffness	X	YES
Morning stiffness which lasts no more than 30 minutes and worsened joint pain later in the day after repetitive use of the joint	YES	X
Rheumatoid nodules	X	YES
X-ray evidence of bone spurs or osteophytes	YES	X
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein test (CRP) help to detect	X	YES
Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes are characteristic of	YES	X
Ulnar deviation and wrist subluxation are common deformities associated with	X	YES
Usually affects older people.	YES	X
Fatigue, fever, loss of energy, and uneasiness	X	YES
Weight bearing joints are affected	YES	X
Increased joint pain during activity, relieved while resting	YES	X
Joint damage can occur early after disease onset	X	YES

Treatment for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Proper diet, along with specific rheumatoid arthritis exercises can offer pain relief. Same is the case with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis treatment can be focused on preventing the condition from worsening, by controlling pain and preserving the function of the joint. Arthritis treatment for both these types, involves use of herbs and home remedies like massage with oils. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. can improve the joint movement. Weight control plays an important role in the treatment of both types of arthritis. Doctors can prescribe pain killers and other medicines. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help manage any type of arthritis.

The most important point to note while comparing osteoarthritis with rheumatoid arthritis is that patients can take action and find solutions only if they have a positive attitude. Physical limitations arising out of arthritis may challenge your emotions and finances may be stretched by an inability to keep working. With positive attitude only, patients can have a good quality of life.