Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are two of the most prevalent forms of arthritis, and knowing the difference between the two is important.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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.
In the past, medical research has tried to discover the cause of this condition, but the specific cause has not been identified. At present, it is speculated that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes a patient to this disease. Certain environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
RA may be treated with various medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, along with DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which can be prescribed by your doctor. Popular examples of such medicines are Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, and numerous others. Though these medicines have been proven to actually work, it is still necessary to keep in mind that these medications will at times trigger adverse side effects that can exacerbate rather than alleviate your condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects mostly older people, since this condition is the result of the deterioration of the joints created by the aging process. In OA, the cartilage's water component rises, even as the protein component is lessened. Constant stress or use of the joints, like gaining weight or contracting joint injury, may also trigger this condition. Likewise, certain factors as infections to the joint, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, diabetes, among several others can lead to osteoarthritis. Methods for treatment may vary from localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to surgical joint replacement procedures.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis may help you differentiate between these 2 types 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.
In contrast, OA does not commonly affect the major organs of the human body. In most cases, osteoarthritis only occurs as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away. - 15995
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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.
In the past, medical research has tried to discover the cause of this condition, but the specific cause has not been identified. At present, it is speculated that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes a patient to this disease. Certain environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
RA may be treated with various medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, along with DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which can be prescribed by your doctor. Popular examples of such medicines are Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, and numerous others. Though these medicines have been proven to actually work, it is still necessary to keep in mind that these medications will at times trigger adverse side effects that can exacerbate rather than alleviate your condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects mostly older people, since this condition is the result of the deterioration of the joints created by the aging process. In OA, the cartilage's water component rises, even as the protein component is lessened. Constant stress or use of the joints, like gaining weight or contracting joint injury, may also trigger this condition. Likewise, certain factors as infections to the joint, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, diabetes, among several others can lead to osteoarthritis. Methods for treatment may vary from localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to surgical joint replacement procedures.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis may help you differentiate between these 2 types 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.
In contrast, OA does not commonly affect the major organs of the human body. In most cases, osteoarthritis only occurs as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away. - 15995
About the Author:
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