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 widespread, afflicting countless individuals all over the world. This condition is mainly an inflammation of the tissue of the joints. After a while, the inflammation can gradually affect the major organs and can become a debilitating condition.
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.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with some medications, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), as well as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), both of which can be prescribed by a qualified physician. Common examples of such medications are Celebrax, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Arava, among others. While these drugs have been known to be effective, it is also important to consider the fact that these products have been reported to trigger negative side effects that may worsen rather than treat your condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA affects mostly older patients, for the reason that this condition is caused by the wear and tear of the joints created by the aging process. In OA, the cartilage's water component increases, while its protein component is lessened. Constant stress or use of the joints, including getting joint injury, can also trigger OA. Likewise, such factors as infections to the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, among several others can cause osteoarthritis. Treatment may range from localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
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 typical among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney may be affected directly or indirectly due to rheumatoid arthritis.
On the other hand, osteoarthritis does not target the organs of the human body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only occurs as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis patients to distinguish between these two most common forms of arthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will allow you to to get the right treatment for your specific condition. Additionally, discussing this with a qualified doctor is advised to get an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Your physician will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment and therefore help in your recovery. If you notice some side effects from taking prescription drugs, you must contact your doctor immediately. - 16463
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more widespread, afflicting countless individuals all over the world. This condition is mainly an inflammation of the tissue of the joints. After a while, the inflammation can gradually affect the major organs and can become a debilitating condition.
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.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with some medications, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), as well as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), both of which can be prescribed by a qualified physician. Common examples of such medications are Celebrax, Enbrel, Methotrexate, Arava, among others. While these drugs have been known to be effective, it is also important to consider the fact that these products have been reported to trigger negative side effects that may worsen rather than treat your condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA affects mostly older patients, for the reason that this condition is caused by the wear and tear of the joints created by the aging process. In OA, the cartilage's water component increases, while its protein component is lessened. Constant stress or use of the joints, including getting joint injury, can also trigger OA. Likewise, such factors as infections to the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, among several others can cause osteoarthritis. Treatment may range from localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
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 typical among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney may be affected directly or indirectly due to rheumatoid arthritis.
On the other hand, osteoarthritis does not target the organs of the human body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only occurs as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis patients to distinguish between these two most common forms of arthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will allow you to to get the right treatment for your specific condition. Additionally, discussing this with a qualified doctor is advised to get an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Your physician will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment and therefore help in your recovery. If you notice some side effects from taking prescription drugs, you must contact your doctor immediately. - 16463
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