It is necessary to talk about the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, because commonly people think since both conditions are regarding joints they are identical.
Although both are types of arthritis, there are substantial difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Difference Between Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
| Osteoarthritis (OA) | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
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| 1 | It is also known as degenerative arthritis | It is also known as inflammatory arthritis or polyarthritis |
| 2 | Osteoarthritis results from the deterioration of cartilage, the bone come in contact with each other and are pressed and rubbed with each other | Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition of a joint’s connective tissues, such as the synovial membranes |
| 3 | It is a non-inflammatory disease of the joints which is characterized by degeneration of the cartilage of the joints and a hardening (sclerosis) of the underlying bone | It is a complex inflammatory disease that mainly affects joints and various other parts of the body |
| 4 | Its cause is known and it is often caused by the aging that affects joints. Other probable causes include obesity, joint injury, overuse of joints and heredity | Its cause is known. It is believed to be an “autoimmune disease” in which your body’s immunity works against your own tissues |
| 5 | Generally affects people over age 40 | Most commonly affects those between ages 20 and 60 |
| 6 | Affects more women than men | Commonly found in both men and women |
| 7 | It results from the breakdown of the tissue inside the joints | It results from swelling in the joints |
| 8 | It is a degenerative condition generally of weight-bearing joints (spine, hip, knee and also the terminal interphalangeal joints of the hands, but any joint may be involved) | It usually involves the wrists, fingers and other synovial joints (knees and elbows) |
| 9 | Osteoarthritis usually only affects the joints | Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints, tissues and can be felt throughout the entire body |
| 10 | Two most common symptoms are pain and swelling over affected joints | Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, heat, redness, tenderness over affected joints |
| 11 | Joints are tender but not warm | Joints are tender are warm |
| 12 | Pain often affects only one joint | Pain usually occurs in symmetric joints on both sides of the body |
| 13 | Blood tests are often normal | Blood tests often show indications of inflammation and anemia |
Although there is a big difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are some remedies for arthritis that are equally effective for both conditions.
