The differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe inflammation of the joints. However, there are different kinds of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).
Although RA and OA both affect your joints, they’re very different forms of the same broader condition. RA is an autoimmune condition, whereas OA is primarily a degenerative joint condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is an autoimmune disorder, which means your body attacks itself. If you have RA, your body interprets the soft lining around your joints as a threat, similar to a virus or bacteria, and attacks it.
This attack causes fluid to accumulate within your joint. In addition to the swelling, this build-up also causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation around your joints.
Osteoarthritis
OA, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disorder. People with OA experience a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions their joints. The wearing down of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other. This exposes small nerves, causing pain. OA doesn’t involve an autoimmune process as RA does, but mild inflammation also occurs.
Risk factors
Both types of arthritis are more common in women than in men. RA and OA are more prevalent in older adults, but RA can develop at any age.
RA can run in families. You have a higher chance of developing the condition if a parent, child or sibling has it. It is also more common in smokers.
With OA, you’re more likely to develop it if you:
- Knees: being overweight, previous knee injury, jobs involving kneeling, climbing and squatting
- Hips: being overweight, previous hip injury, jobs involving lifting heavy loads, a family history of OA
- Have diabetes and/or gout
- Experienced traumatic injuries to your joints
Similarities in symptoms of OA and RA
- Painful, stiff joints
- Limited range of motion
- Warmth or tenderness in the affected area
- Increased intensity of symptoms first thing in the morning
Characteristics of RA
RA can affect your entire body – lungs, heart, eyes – not just your joints. RA is a symmetrical disease. That means you’ll experience symptoms on both sides of your body at the same time.
Early signs of RA can include:
- Low-grade fever, especially in children
- Muscle aches
- Excessive fatigue
People in advanced stages of RA may notice hard lumps underneath the skin joints. The lumps, called rheumatoid nodules, can be tender.
Characteristics of OA
People with OA are unlikely to experience overall symptoms. The degenerative nature of OA is limited solely to the joints.
With OA, bone spurs may develop around the affected joints.
Treatment for OA and RA
The primary goal is to reduce pain, improve function and minimize damage to your joints. Your doctor will approach these goals differently, depending on which condition you have.
There is no way of predicting which treatment will work best for you. Each treatment has its own benefits and risks. Usually, several treatments will be trialed before finding the one that is right for you.
Anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid medications are generally effective for both OA and RA.
In general terms, treatment can include:
- A weight loss program, if you’re overweight
- An exercise program tailored to your condition and ability
- Pain management using medicines as well as learning to change the way you think about and react to pain
- Devices such as braces, walking sticks, and shoe insoles
- Joint replacement surgery, if symptoms are no longer controlled with other therapies.
Chiro & Sports Med
Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury. Likewise, you may be suffering from a specific condition like chronic back pain or a spinal condition. Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injuries. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and your ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med simply call our office on 9817 2005 and one of our friendly staff will organise an appointment for you or you can book online.
