Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which destroys the health of joints in the body. Restricted movement of the affected joints and joint pain are common symptoms of arthritis. This article compares osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis. Read on, to know the difference between these two types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. Various types of arthritis are characterized by distinguished symptoms. Arthritis in old age, caused due to the degeneration of cartilage is called osteoarthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. It is usually due to the process of wear and tear of the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is noticed in children as well as in adults. When noticed in children, it is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. If you compare osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis, you would notice that both are the diseases of joints, and both lead to restricted movement of the affected joints. The following table illustrates the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it should be kept in mind that there are always exceptions to the rules. For example, though osteoarthritis generally affects older people, these days, more and more young people are getting diagnosed with this type of arthritis. The symptoms might vary from person to person. In general, age, obesity, muscle weakness, family history and injury or overuse of joint are the risk factors for both types of arthritis. Both these types of arthritis are more common in women than in men.

Comparison Facts

Facts Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Has affected more than 21 million Americans YES X Has affected over 2 million Americans X YES Known as wear and tear arthritis YES X Most common type of arthritis YES X Affects the lining (synovium) of the joint X YES Affects the cartilage (tissue which cushions the ends of the bones within a joint) of the joint YES X Affects only joints, not internal organs YES X Joint pain, redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth around the joint X YES Pain begins in one joint YES X Joint damage occurs with bilateral symmetry (same joint on both sides of body) X YES The disease involving the small joints of the hands and wrists X YES Gradual onset of joint pain YES X An inflammatory autoimmune disease X YES Prolonged (lasting 30 minutes or more) morning stiffness X YES Morning stiffness which lasts no more than 30 minutes and worsened joint pain later in the day after repetitive use of the joint YES X Rheumatoid nodules X YES X-ray evidence of bone spurs or osteophytes YES X Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein test (CRP) help to detect X YES Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes are characteristic of YES X Ulnar deviation and wrist subluxation are common deformities associated with X YES Usually affects older people. YES X Fatigue, fever, loss of energy, and uneasiness X YES Weight bearing joints are affected YES X Increased joint pain during activity, relieved while resting YES X Joint damage can occur early after disease onset X YES

Treatment for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Proper diet, along with specific rheumatoid arthritis exercises can offer relief from the pain. Same is the case with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis treatment can be focused on preventing the condition from worsening, by controlling pain and preserving the function of the joint. Arthritis treatment for both these types, involves use of herbs and home remedies like massage with oils. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. can improve the joint movement. Weight control plays an important role in the treatment of both types of arthritis. Doctors can prescribe pain killers and other medicines. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help manage any type of arthritis.

The most important point to note while comparing osteoarthritis with rheumatoid arthritis is that patients can take action and find solutions only if they have a positive attitude. Physical limitations arising out of arthritis may challenge your emotions and finances may be stretched by an inability to keep working. With only a positive attitude patients can have a good quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.