Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two of the most common types of arthritis, and knowing how to distinguish one from the other is important.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more widespread, afflicting numerous patients worldwide. Rheumatoid is chiefly an inflammation of the joint tissue. Eventually, the inflammation can gradually extend to your major organs and may become a debilitating condition.
In recent years, scientists have attempted to document the cause of RA, but the specific cause has not been discovered. At present, it is assumed that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes an individual to this disease. Specific environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be treated with various drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which may be prescribed by a doctor. Common examples of such drugs are Celebrax, Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, among others. Even though NSAIDs and DMARDs have been known to be effective, it is also imperative to remember that these medications may have the potential to trigger negative side effects that may impair rather than treat one's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects older people, for the reason that osteoarthritis is caused primarily by the wear and tear of the joints triggered by the aging process. In OA, the water component of the cartilage is increased, whereas the protein component diminishes. Constant stress or use of the joints, like getting joint injury or gaining weight, can also trigger this condition. In addition, certain factors as infections of the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, for example, can set off OA. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed local injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis can help you distinguish 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.
Conversely, osteoarthritis does not commonly affect the major organs of your body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away. - 15343
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more widespread, afflicting numerous patients worldwide. Rheumatoid is chiefly an inflammation of the joint tissue. Eventually, the inflammation can gradually extend to your major organs and may become a debilitating condition.
In recent years, scientists have attempted to document the cause of RA, but the specific cause has not been discovered. At present, it is assumed that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes an individual to this disease. Specific environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be treated with various drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which may be prescribed by a doctor. Common examples of such drugs are Celebrax, Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, among others. Even though NSAIDs and DMARDs have been known to be effective, it is also imperative to remember that these medications may have the potential to trigger negative side effects that may impair rather than treat one's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects older people, for the reason that osteoarthritis is caused primarily by the wear and tear of the joints triggered by the aging process. In OA, the water component of the cartilage is increased, whereas the protein component diminishes. Constant stress or use of the joints, like getting joint injury or gaining weight, can also trigger this condition. In addition, certain factors as infections of the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, for example, can set off OA. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed local injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis can help you distinguish 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.
Conversely, osteoarthritis does not commonly affect the major organs of your body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away. - 15343
About the Author:
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