They all start with the causes. Osteoarthritis occurs more often later in life after years of mechanical wear on the cartilage that lines and cushions your joints. Rheumatoid is a form of autoimmune disease that can develop at any age. Your body’s immune system attacks your joints.
These are just a few of the important differences between osteoarthritis (RA) and rheumatoid.
The Onset of Disease
Osteoarthritis develops slowly over many years as the joint cartilage loses its ability to support itself. Your bones eventually rub against one another.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause stiffness and pain that may worsen over time. Sometimes, the first sign of rheumatoid is not joint pain. You may also experience flu-like symptoms like fatigue, fever, and minor joint pains.
Signs of Osteoarthritis
The following symptoms of osteoarthritis are common:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness in the morning. It goes away when you move.
- The affected joint may experience weakness in the muscles. This is common with the knee joint.
- Deformed joints. Particularly as arthritis worsens
- Cracking and creaking. Medically known as “crepitus”
Signs of Rheumatoid arthritis
The following symptoms are associated with rheumatoid arthritis:
- It can cause pain, stiffness, or swelling. Most common in the hands, feet and wrists.
- Inflammation. Inflammation can cause irreversible, permanent joint damage if it is not controlled.
- Bumps and nodules. These may form on the elbows or knuckles in some cases.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that can affect both the right and left sides of the body. While osteoarthritis can affect only one knee, rheumatoid art could also affect both.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause severe damage to the eyes, eyes, lungs and blood vessels. Your risk of developing heart disease by 50% can be increased by RA.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries as well as ketamine infusion.
