Difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be similar in some points and characteristics but they are different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is normally a condition that is due to the normal aging process while rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s own immune system is the one responsible for attacking the joints and other organs of the body. To simplify it, the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that in osteoarthritis the damage to joints because of the aging process is what we call as osteoarthritis while in rheumatoid arthritis the damage to the joints is caused by the disease itself.

Difference between osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis

Another significant difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that in osteoarthritis the joints is the only part of the body that is affected or can be affected while in rheumatoid arthritis, it’s not only the joints that can be affected by the disease, other parts and organs of the body are at risk in being affected with the disease.

Both diseases may share the same symptoms of the patient having inflamed joints but the main big difference is in the underlying cause of the inflammation. The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that in osteoarthritis the cartilage that lines the joint is thinning which causes friction hence the reason for the swelling and the pain but in rheumatoid arthritis the inflamed joints are because of the attacked of the body’s own immune system.

In rheumatoid arthritis the pain would already be a symptom even before a cartilage or joint is damage while in osteoarthritis the pains is because of the damage to the cartilage and bone due to the aging process. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect even young children and adults at various ages, it strike in random unlike the osteoarthritis that would normally occur in the later stages in life as one ages. In most cases both joints can be affected with rheumatoid arthritis like experiencing pain in both knee joints or in both wrists. In the case of osteoarthritis, most times only one joint is affected like for example only one knee or one wrist could be affected.

In both cases anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers are given to both patients but the immune suppressing drug is only given to the patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Regardless of their differences, early diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms would greatly affect the patient’s medical condition. If the symptoms for both types of arthritis are treated early, there is a greater chance that the symptoms like joint inflammation and pain can be managed or be controlled. For both forms of arthritis using the aid of canes, braces, walkers and splints would be a great help in giving sup[port to the joints affected. Shoe inserts can also be utilized for both patients having these diseases. Target exercises provided by a physical therapist could bring back the range of motions and the mobility of the patients. Given that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have a lot of differences, it is necessary for patients afflicted with these conditions to not only take medications but to take care of their general health as well.