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| THE WORD ARTHRITIS is a broad term
used to refer to more than 100 conditions that can cause joint pain —
osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most
well-known. Proper diagnosis to determine whether you have OA or RA
requires several tests and usually consultation with an expert, such
as a rheumatologist. (Ask your primary care physician for a referral.)
Your primary care physician plays an important role in your general health.
A rheumatologist is the doctor who specializes in arthritis and other
diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles.
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.
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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. OA is much more common than RA.
In the United States alone, an estimated 20 million people
have osteoarthritis, and approximately 2.1 million people have
RA.
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05C-64S-J010-18
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"MORE DIFFERENT THAN YOU THINK"
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