Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid? What's the Difference and How Can You Tell?
Yeowch! It hurts to bend those fingers, that knee, or to get up from the couch these days. Could it be arthritis? And what does that even mean? There are so many types it's confusing. It's confusing because arthritis isn’t a single disease. In fact, it's several different conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints in different ways and for different reasons. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two most common of the diseases listed under arthritis conditions. Both of these can be disabling and disfiguring, but that’s where the similarities end. So let's look at what's going on with them.
Osteoarthritis and RA both cause joint pain, stiffness and inflammation, but they’re two very different conditions. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear and only affects isolated joints, whereas RA is caused by an autoimmune disease and usually targets specific (often symmetrical) joints. Because it's systemic, RA can also cause body-wide symptoms like fever, appetite loss, fatigue and dryness in the eyes and mouth.
Osteoarthritis
More common than any other type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused by erosion of the protective cartilage between the bones. This may occur naturally over time or as the result of a condition that increases wear and tear, such as obesity, injury or structural issues with the joints or cartilage. This wear leads to swelling, pain and joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for extended periods. Women are more likely than men to develop this form of arthritis, and some people are more genetically predisposed than others, but in all people with the condition, the risks increase with age.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, and once there’s damage, it’s there for good. Over time, erosion can cause bone spurs, reduced range of motion and popping or crackling sounds with movement. Staying as active as possible and taking NSAIDs when necessary may help to slow the disease’s progression.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s own immune system is responsible for the symptoms. This form of arthritis is also systemic, meaning it can affect the body beyond the joints. People with RA may also experience fevers, fatigue, appetite loss and problems with dryness in the eyes and mouth.
RA can cause serious damage to the joints, and as with osteoarthritis, that damage is permanent. Left untreated, joints may become painfully disfigured and form nodules. Luckily, effective prescription treatments are available and gentle exercise regimens, along with periods of rest during flares, can reduce joint erosion. Some patients may also undergo surgeries to reduce nodule size and help with pain in the long term.
Telling the Difference
RA and osteoarthritis can look alike in many ways, but their differences make them relatively easy to tell apart. Here are some of the most notable differences:
- Age - RA typically strikes a person between 30 and 50 years old, whereas osteoarthritis can occur at any time when there has been excessive wear on the joint.
- One-sided vs. symmetrical pain - Perhaps most notably for the layman to know, the joint pain is usually symmetrical — meaning if one hand is affected, the other generally is, too.
- Systemic complications vs. limited scope - RA causes systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue. Since Osteoarthritis isn’t a systemic disease, its effects are restricted solely to the painful joint or joints.
- Affected areas - RA can occur anywhere, but it tends to terrorize hands, wrists, elbows, knees and feet the most. When it targets the hands, it usually doesn’t affect the joints closest to the tips — a spot commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
- Morning stiffness - The length and degree of morning stiffness can be another clue. Periods of inactivity can cause both conditions to leave joints hesitant to move, but RA can make that stiffness last for hours instead of minutes.
Regardless of the type or cause, arthritis pain, stiffness and swelling are best addressed by a doctor. But having some idea can help us to hone in on what exactly is happening so we have a place to start when visiting the physician. Both of these conditions can be disfiguring if left untreated, and earlier treatment could mean less threat of disability in the future, so please do see a doctor if this is a problem for you.
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