Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two common types of arthritis that affect millions of people worldwide. Although both conditions can cause joint pain and stiffness, they are very different in terms of their causes, symptoms, and treatment. In this blog we deeper into these differences and what can be done to help.
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
OA is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the joint wears down over time. It is usually caused by wear and tear on the joint, other factors effecting the disease are gender, age, genetics, obesity, joint abnormality, and joint injury. Have a look at my blog on OA for more information.
What is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
On the other hand, RA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the joint tissue. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of OA and RA can be similar, but there are some key differences:
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA)
The main symptoms of OA are joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The pain is usually worse after activity and at the end of the day. The affected joint may also be tender to the touch and swelling is often present. There may be a grating or cracking sound when the joint moves (crepitus), and the effected joint may not move as freely as it once did. The most commonly effected joints are those that are weight-bearing, the knees, hips, back, and feet. but the neck hands and shoulders are also often effected.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The main symptoms of RA are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The pain is usually worse in the morning and improves with activity. The affected joint may also be warm to the touch, and there may be redness and swelling around the joint. RA can also cause lesser-known symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and weight loss. For a full list of symptoms have a look at this blog. Joints most commonly effected by RA are hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Often we see that joints on both sides of the body are effected at the same time.
Treatments
The treatment of OA and RA is different, and depends on the severity of the condition:
Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA)
The treatment of OA usually involves non-surgical options such as exercise, weight management, medications, and physiotherapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 6 tips on exercising with OA.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The treatment of RA usually involves medications that reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease. Exercise can help have a look at this guide for exercising with RA. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints.
Conclusion
OA and RA are two common types of arthritis that have different causes, symptoms, and treatment options. While OA is caused by wear and tear on the joint, RA is an autoimmune disease. If you are experiencing joint pain or stiffness, or any of the symptoms discussed here it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and best treatment plan for your individual needs. Have a look at some of my related blogs for helpful advice and guidance.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
