Arthritis refers to any disorder that affects the joints.
Inflammation
Inflammationrefers to the body’simmune systemresponse to injury, trauma, or disease.
Inflammation can either be acute or chronic.
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An autoimmune attack on healthy tissue can lead to serious complications.
RA vs. Osteoarthritis: One and the Same?
OA is not an autoimmune illness, but rather a form of degenerative disease.
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Both diseases can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, but locations can vary.
Smaller joints tend to be more commonly affected in RA.
While various forms of arthritis may have overlapping symptoms and treatment options, there are some distinct differences.
Can You Have Both?
They are most often observed together in the older population.
A rheumatology specialist will be able to differentiate between the numerous different forms of arthritis.
They can determine the proper treatment and therapies necessary to minimize the potential for any long-term deformities or disabilities.
Summary
Joint stiffness, swelling, and pain can be symptoms of different forms of arthritis.
Overuse, obesity, and older age are just some of the risk factors for developing OA.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, autoimmune illness associated with chronic inflammation throughout the body.
RA tends to affect smaller joints, like the fingers, wrists, ankles, and feet.
It usually presents in a symmetrical pattern.
They will be able to properly diagnose your condition and ensure the proper treatment options are offered and utilized.
Effective and timely treatment will help decrease the possibility of long-term complications and disability associated with arthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both RA and OA can lead to permanent joint deformities and disabilities over time.
However, both diseases are treatable with therapies aimed at relieving symptoms and halting disease progression.
Since RA is a systemic inflammatory condition, disease progression happens when inflammation is not properly controlled.
That is why it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you believe you may have RA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Arthritis in adults age 18 and older: United States, 2022.
American College of Rheumatology.What is a rheumatologist?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis (OA).
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms.
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.Osteoarthritis: signs and symptoms.
Arthritis Foundation.How arthritis hurts.
Alberta Health Services.Comparing rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
