The following will help you compare the differences between OA and RA.

RA IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a condition of wear and tear. It is a disease in which your own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation that damages your joints.
• RA usually causes pain or stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or after long rest and lack of activity.
• RA can occur at any age. It often begins in middle age and tends to get worse over time.
• RA is associated with symmetrical swelling (e.g., both hands, both elbows, etc.)
• Most typically, RA symptoms include joint pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness of the joints; prolonged morning stiffness; and less range of movement. Some people also experience fever, weight loss, fatigue, and/or anemia.
• With RA, inflammation generally occurs in the knuckles and at the joints closest to your hands, nearer the base of your fingers.
• RA tends to cause swelling and pain in smaller joints such as the hands and ankles.

If any of these RA symptoms sound like yours, ask your doctor about the tests that can help determine whether you have OA or RA.

OA IS A CONDITION OF WEAR AND TEAR

• OA is not an autoimmune disease. It is a condition of wear and tear associated with aging or injury. Your immune system is not affected.
• OA stiffness tends to get worse with use throughout the day.
• OA usually occurs as individuals age and in those whose joints have become worn down by excessive use.
• Generally, OA symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and enlarged joints.
• OA is associated with asymmetrical (not "matching") swelling in individual joints that are not part of a pair — e.g., one knee and an elbow, instead of both knees.
• With OA, inflammation generally occurs at the joint closest to your fingernail.
• OA tends to cause pain and swelling in bigger joints such as the hips and knees.
• Osteoarthriitis is much more common than rheumatoid arthritis. In the United States alone, an estimated 20 million people have osteoarthritis, and approximately 2.1 million people have RA.

PUT TIME ON YOUR SIDE
You need to be absolutely certain whether you have OA or RA. That's why, if you suspect that you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you should see a physician who is an arthritis expert, called a rheumatologist, as soon as you can. A rheumatologist is the physician who specializes in arthritis and is best qualified to give you all the necessary tests for an accurate diagnosis. Getting the right answer, the first time, matters. In fact, if you want to find a rheumatologist, go to http://www.rheumatology.org.

If you have RA, you cannot afford to waste time. RA can worsen very quickly in its early stages and can cause serious damage to your joints in just the first 24 months. In a study, 70% of patients with recent RA onset showed evidence of radiographic changes after 3 years. Put time on your side. Act fast. You'll be glad you did.

When effective treatments for RA are started early, symptoms can be relieved sooner, the worsening joint destruction slowed, and early disability can be avoided.

For this reason, getting an early and correct diagnosis (to see if you have OA or RA) may be your best chance of ensuring your continued quality of life.

TREATING THE DISEASE, NOT JUST THE PAIN
Painkillers, such as Celebrex® (celecoxib), Advil® (ibuprofen), or Tylenol® (acetaminophen), kill pain. They can't stop your disease from getting worse. Considering how fast rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can progress, staying on painkillers alone — long-term — can address your pain but not your disease. Medications that treat the disease not only keep you healthier longer, they also address the pain. See your rheumatologist today, and ask about the best way to control your disease, not just control your pain.

INFORMATION TO GIVE YOUR DOCTOR

Your doctor can better assess your arthritis with the following information:

1. Where do you have symptoms? In how many joints? (Feet, hands, knees, hips?)
2. Does your pain or stiffness move from one body area to another?
3. Does the stiffness occur in "matching" joints or "individual" ones?
4. How often do you have pain or stiffness? (Daily, weekly, all day?)
5. At what time of day is it at its worst? And how long does it last?
6. What relieves or worsens your symptoms?
7. Has any treatment or medication worked for you? If so, which ones?
8. Which medication has not relieved your pain or stiffness?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

1. What type of arthritis do I have?
2. What is happening to my body as a result of my arthritis?
3. What are my options to relieve pain? (Medication, exercise, alternative therapies?)
4. What medications might slow down the rate at which my disease worsens?
5. Can a blood test help determine what type of arthritis I have?
6. Can an X-ray show if my disease is getting worse?

THE PAIN CONTROLLERS

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include medicines such as Advil® (ibuprofen) and Naprosyn® (naproxen). NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation. Possible side effects: stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding.
• COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduce pain and inflammation and are less likely to cause stomach upset.
• Corticosteroids or glucocorticoids (steroids),such as Deltasone® (prednisone), Aristocort® (triamcinolone), and Cortone® Acetate Tablets (cortisone), alleviate joint pain, swelling, and other symptoms of RA. Possible side effects: weight gain, brittle bones, glaucoma, cataracts, reduced immunity, high blood pressure, fragile skin, and the onset or worsening of diabetes.

THE DISEASE MODIFIERS

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as Rheumatrex® (methotrexate) and Arava® (leflunomide), help prevent joint and cartilage damage. They may produce significant improvements in many patients. Possible side effects: skin rashes, mouth sores, upset stomach, kidney problems, blood abnormalities, and more.
• Biologic DMARDs (anti-TNF agents), such as Enbrel® (etanercept) and Remicade® (infliximab), help to reduce the symptoms of RA by targeting the body's own immune system to slow down the inflammation process. They also slow the progression of joint damage. Such medications are injected or given via an IV. Possible side effects: injection or infusion site reactions and infections.

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