Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are the two most prevalent types of arthritis, and differentiating between the two is important.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more prevalent, afflicting a myriad of people all over the world. Rheumatoid is basically an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. Through time, the inflammation can gradually affect the major organs of the human body and may progress into a debilitating disease.
Historically, scientific studies have tried to isolate the cause of this condition, but the specific cause has not been identified. At the moment, the cause is presumed to be a genetic factor that predisposes an individual to rheumatoid arthritis. Some events are also believed to trigger its symptoms.
RA may be treated with different drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, along with DMARDs or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both of which may be prescribed by a doctor. Common examples of such drugs are Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, among others. Although these medications have been established to be effective, it is also important to remember that these medications have been reported to trigger adverse side effects that may worsen rather than cure your overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is more widespread among older people, since OA results from the deterioration of the joints brought about by the aging process. In osteoarthritis, the water component of the cartilage rises, as its protein component is lessened. Constant joint stress, such as being overweight or contracting joint injury, can also cause this condition. Similarly, certain factors as infections of the joint, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal disorders, and others can lead to osteoarthritis. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed injections of glucocorticoid and hyaluronan to surgical joint replacement procedures.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Knowing the symptoms of OA & RA may help you learn the distinction between these 2 forms of arthritis.
If two sides of the joint are affected, plus there is joint swelling or reddening (i.e. inflammation), it is most probably RA. In such cases, the person usually experiences some fever, fatigue, and a sensation of stiffness throughout the entire body for fifteen minutes or more. Some forms of vasculitis, a condition affecting the veins and arteries, may also develop in response to RA. Further, rheumatoid arthritis patients have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also prevalent among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are fibrosis of the lungs and renal amyloidosis. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney are direct or indirect targets of RA.
On the other hand, OA does not affect the major organs of the human body. In most cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of the aging process.
It is important for arthritis patients to distinguish between these two most common forms of arthritis. Knowing which type of arthritis affects you will allow you to to seek the right treatment for your particular condition. Furthermore, discussing this with a a qualified physician is imperative to get an accurate diagnosis and ensuing treatment. A qualified doctor can prescribe the necessary treatment and hence help in your recovery. If you notice some adverse effects from taking prescription medications, you must contact your doctor at once. - 15995
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more prevalent, afflicting a myriad of people all over the world. Rheumatoid is basically an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. Through time, the inflammation can gradually affect the major organs of the human body and may progress into a debilitating disease.
Historically, scientific studies have tried to isolate the cause of this condition, but the specific cause has not been identified. At the moment, the cause is presumed to be a genetic factor that predisposes an individual to rheumatoid arthritis. Some events are also believed to trigger its symptoms.
RA may be treated with different drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, along with DMARDs or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both of which may be prescribed by a doctor. Common examples of such drugs are Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, among others. Although these medications have been established to be effective, it is also important to remember that these medications have been reported to trigger adverse side effects that may worsen rather than cure your overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is more widespread among older people, since OA results from the deterioration of the joints brought about by the aging process. In osteoarthritis, the water component of the cartilage rises, as its protein component is lessened. Constant joint stress, such as being overweight or contracting joint injury, can also cause this condition. Similarly, certain factors as infections of the joint, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal disorders, and others can lead to osteoarthritis. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed injections of glucocorticoid and hyaluronan to surgical joint replacement procedures.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Knowing the symptoms of OA & RA may help you learn the distinction between these 2 forms of arthritis.
If two sides of the joint are affected, plus there is joint swelling or reddening (i.e. inflammation), it is most probably RA. In such cases, the person usually experiences some fever, fatigue, and a sensation of stiffness throughout the entire body for fifteen minutes or more. Some forms of vasculitis, a condition affecting the veins and arteries, may also develop in response to RA. Further, rheumatoid arthritis patients have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also prevalent among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are fibrosis of the lungs and renal amyloidosis. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney are direct or indirect targets of RA.
On the other hand, OA does not affect the major organs of the human body. In most cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of the aging process.
It is important for arthritis patients to distinguish between these two most common forms of arthritis. Knowing which type of arthritis affects you will allow you to to seek the right treatment for your particular condition. Furthermore, discussing this with a a qualified physician is imperative to get an accurate diagnosis and ensuing treatment. A qualified doctor can prescribe the necessary treatment and hence help in your recovery. If you notice some adverse effects from taking prescription medications, you must contact your doctor at once. - 15995
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