Before we go any further, we must first distinguish the differences between these two types of Arthritis:
1) Osteoarthritis?
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis?
I hope the very brief summary below should be enough to take us through in understanding them!
What is Osteoarthritis?
If osteoarthritis had been with us from the beginning of time,one should wonder why in today’s advances in Medical technologies we still can not find the cure?
While the exact cause of OA is unknown, joint damage can be due to repetitive movement (also known as “wear and tear”). It can also begin as the result of an injury. Either way, with OA there’s erosion of the cartilage, the part of the joint that covers the ends of the bones.
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing OA:
Age
Gender
Obesity
Joint Alignment
Heredity
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks normal joint tissues, causing inflammation of the joint lining.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you experience some of these symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor:
Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 1 hour in the morning or after a long rest
Joint inflammation in the joints closest to the hand, such as wrist and fingers, although the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet can also be affected
Symmetrical pattern of inflammation, meaning both sides of the body are usually affected at the same time
Fatigue, an occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well (called malaise)
Effects of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint inflammation, which can affect the ability to go about your daily activities. If left untreated, RA can worsen and destroy joints. After the onset of the disease, some of the effects of RA are as follows:
Tendons become inflamed and may rupture (tear apart).
Swelling can severely damage or destroy ligaments that hold joints together. It can also damage joint cartilage and bone.
Erosion of the bones of the joint can occur, causing pain and deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis:
Persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body, make an appointment to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow disease progression.
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