What is the difference between ra and oa

If several joints are affected by OA, it is known as generalized osteoarthritis. In the case of osteoarthritis, cartilage tissue that provides a gliding surface for bones inside a joint has broken down. This breakdown process creates resistance in the joint when it is used, which causes pain and discomfort. In some cases where osteoarthritis is far advanced, the shape of the joints can also become distorted.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a less common inflammatory joint condition that affects multiple joints in the body. As RA is a systemic disease that affects multiple joints, it generally provides more symptoms than OA. These symptoms can take the form of generalized pain, more pronounced stiffness, and tiredness. Just like OA, RA is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. However, there are modern medications available that can slow down the disease before the joints become permanently damaged.

With RA, patients typically experience a rapid onset of symptoms—including painful, swollen, and stiff joints—in as little as a few weeks to a few months. Additionally, those living with RA experience morning stiffness that typically lasts longer than 1 hour, and fatigue and a feeling of being ill are commonly present.

RA is often a symmetrical type of arthritis, which means it affects both small and large joints—including hands, wrists, elbows, or balls of the feet—on both sides of the body simultaneously.

Anyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis has chronic inflammation in their joints, which means that the whole joint is breaking down. Therefore, rheumatoid arthritis does not only affect the cartilage. With RA, the joints then become swollen and tender, which is known as synovitis. Sometimes what is noticed first is the stiffness in the morning. The synovium, or the lining of the joint, is most affected. OA It affects only a particular joint, and the pain doesn't go away without physical or medical therapy.

The joint cartilage is what is worn away. As OA progresses it can result in bony growths or spurs osteophytes that can further compromise joints fingers. Sometimes you can have joints that make noise that can be painful knees. It is also possible to get some radiating pain hips.

RA Fever , fatigue , hot rash , or joint swelling may occur. With RA, there is systemic inflammation. The eyes, lungs, and heart or circulatory system can also be affected by this inflammation, as well as the mouth and the skin with rheumatoid nodules. Patients with RA generally have a team of physicians to oversee their treatment of all this different systemic involvement. OA The symptoms are focused on the specific joint s that are involved.

Pain can be achy or sharp in nature and there may be radiating pain. OA symptoms can vary greatly among patients. OA can make movement and exercise difficult at times. However, those are the exact things that are needed to assist with OA. If one does not exercise, that can contribute to obesity, which in turn contributes to load, systemic factors, and pain at various levels.

RA tends to be treated in secondary care, whereas osteoarthritis is normally managed by the GP. While both conditions can benefit from symptom relief, using painkillers and anti-inflammatories and non-medicinal relief, such as hot or cold packs applied to painful joints.

Drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs DMARDs are used to try to stop RA worsening, by dampening down the over-active immune system. There are two main ways in which other health conditions can be related to rheumatoid arthritis. The first is conditions that have symptoms in common with RA.

These conditions may be suspected or may need to be ruled out when someone is in the process of getting a diagnosis of RA. The second is conditions that people with RA are more susceptible to; a complication of RA. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Top of the page. Comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Topic Overview Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are different types of arthritis. Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis Characteristic Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Age at which the condition starts It may begin any time in life.

It usually begins later in life. Speed of onset Relatively rapid, over weeks to months Slow, over years Joint symptoms Joints are painful, swollen, and stiff. Joints ache and may be tender but have little or no swelling. Pattern of joints that are affected It often affects small and large joints on both sides of the body symmetrical , such as both hands, both wrists or elbows, or the balls of both feet.

Duration of morning stiffness Morning stiffness usually lasts longer than 1 hour. Presence of symptoms affecting the whole body systemic Frequent fatigue and a general feeling of being ill are present.