There are several different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms. Although the symptoms of these two types of arthritis can be similar, it's very important to distinguish between them in order to determine the proper treatment.
At the University of Michigan Health System, our experienced rheumatologists will do appropriate tests to determine which type of arthritis you have. Then we will develop an effective treatment plan and will explain your options. Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out. This wear and tear can result from repetitive movements, such as in sports, that place pressure on the joints. Bony growths called bone spurs develop on the joints, which become stiff, painful, and harder to move.
The risks of developing OA and RA increase with age, although either condition can occur at any age. What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and gout? Symptoms of both conditions tend to be worse in the morning. Both can cause stiffness in the morning or after resting, too. However, in a person with OA, the stiffness usually improves within 30 minutes. In someone with RA, it usually lasts longer.
RA symptoms may develop and worsen quickly, sometimes within a few weeks. OA symptoms arise more slowly, as the protective tissues in the joints gradually wear down. However, certain activities can cause a sudden worsening of OA symptoms.
For example, going for a hike may cause sudden, severe swelling in the knee. Both conditions can affect many different joints in the body. OA is most likely to develop in the knees and the small finger and thumb joints. RA often develops in the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, feet, and hips, and it usually occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body. OA, meanwhile, often only develops on one side. Overall, OA is localized — it only affects the joint and its surrounding tissues.
People with the condition may develop bone spurs or other bone abnormalities, however. For example, OA in the hands often causes small lumps to develop around the ends of the finger joints.
RA commonly affects multiple joints, causing tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. Also, nodules can develop around the affected joints. RA is systemic, rather than localized, so it can also cause:. A doctor who suspects that a person has RA or OA performs a physical examination, takes a medical history, and does various diagnostic tests. Diagnosing these conditions can be challenging because the symptoms often overlap, particularly in the early stages.
Blood tests for RA can help confirm or rule out the diagnosis. These tests look for different biomarkers in the blood, such as cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody and rheumatoid factor. A doctor may also check levels of the C-reactive protein antibody, a marker that indicates inflammation. RA and OA are chronic conditions, which means that they do not go away.
There is currently no cure, but treatments can help a person manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and slow the progression of the condition. Treatment may involve using medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs to reduce inflammation. The two most common forms of arthritis—osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis—can cause similar aches and pains, but there are a few key differences between them. For example:. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage tissue in your joints that cushions your bones wears away.
Pain occurs when bone rubs against bone. This type of arthritis pain tends to develop gradually and intermittently over several months or years. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting 27 million Americans. Many people believe it's a crippling and inevitable part of growing old. But things are changing. Treatments are better, and plenty of people age well without much arthritis.
If you have osteoarthritis, you can take steps to protect your joints, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility — all of which are detailed in this report.
If you don't have osteoarthritis, the report offers strategies for preventing it. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition in which your immune system attacks the tissues in your joints. It causes pain and stiffness that worsen over several weeks or a few months. And joint pain isn't always the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis—sometimes it begins with "flu-like" symptoms of fatigue, fever, weakness, and minor joint aches.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands. However, osteoarthritis often affects the joint closest to the tip of the finger, whereas rheumatoid arthritis usually spares this joint. And while rheumatoid arthritis can appear in any joint, its most common targets are the hands, wrists, and feet. Type of stiffness.
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