Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are the two most prevalent types of arthritis, and differentiating between the two is important.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more prevalent, afflicting numerous people across the globe. Rheumatoid Arthritis is chiefly an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue of the joints. After a while, the inflammation can extend to the major organs of the human body and may even progress into a debilitating condition.
In recent years, scientists have attempted to document the cause of RA, but the specific cause has not been discovered. At present, it is assumed that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes an individual to this disease. Specific environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with various medications, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, along with DMARDs or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both of which can be prescribed by your physician. Popular examples of such medications are Methotrexate, Arava, Enbrel, Celebrax, among others. Though DMARDs and NSAIDs have been known to be effective, it is also necessary to remember that these products have been reported to generate adverse side effects that can aggravate rather than alleviate your condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects older people, for the reason that osteoarthritis is caused primarily by the wear and tear of the joints triggered by the aging process. In OA, the water component of the cartilage is increased, whereas the protein component diminishes. Constant stress or use of the joints, like getting joint injury or gaining weight, can also trigger this condition. In addition, certain factors as infections of the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, for example, can set off OA. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed local injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis may help you differentiate between these 2 types of arthritis.
If two sides of the joint are affected, and if there is a distinctive joint inflammation, the disease is most almost certainly RA. In such cases, the individual commonly experiences some fever, fatigue, as well as a stiffness in the body that lasts for 15mins or more. Certain types of vasculitis, a condition which affects the veins and arteries, may also develop in consequence to rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, people with this disease have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also typical among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney may be affected directly or indirectly due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Conversely, osteoarthritis does not commonly affect the major organs of your body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more prevalent, afflicting numerous people across the globe. Rheumatoid Arthritis is chiefly an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue of the joints. After a while, the inflammation can extend to the major organs of the human body and may even progress into a debilitating condition.
In recent years, scientists have attempted to document the cause of RA, but the specific cause has not been discovered. At present, it is assumed that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes an individual to this disease. Specific environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with various medications, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, along with DMARDs or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both of which can be prescribed by your physician. Popular examples of such medications are Methotrexate, Arava, Enbrel, Celebrax, among others. Though DMARDs and NSAIDs have been known to be effective, it is also necessary to remember that these products have been reported to generate adverse side effects that can aggravate rather than alleviate your condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects older people, for the reason that osteoarthritis is caused primarily by the wear and tear of the joints triggered by the aging process. In OA, the water component of the cartilage is increased, whereas the protein component diminishes. Constant stress or use of the joints, like getting joint injury or gaining weight, can also trigger this condition. In addition, certain factors as infections of the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, for example, can set off OA. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed local injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis may help you differentiate between these 2 types of arthritis.
If two sides of the joint are affected, and if there is a distinctive joint inflammation, the disease is most almost certainly RA. In such cases, the individual commonly experiences some fever, fatigue, as well as a stiffness in the body that lasts for 15mins or more. Certain types of vasculitis, a condition which affects the veins and arteries, may also develop in consequence to rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, people with this disease have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also typical among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney may be affected directly or indirectly due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Conversely, osteoarthritis does not commonly affect the major organs of your body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of old age.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away.
About the Author:
To grab a copy of Amy's Free Arthritis Relief Guide, and to read more articles related to Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, please visit the arthritis website at http://www.ridarthritispain.com .
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