Notes About Health

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are two of the most prevalent forms of arthritis, and knowing the difference between the two is important.

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, scientific studies have tried to document the specific cause of this condition, but a definite cause has yet to be identified. Currently, its is believed that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes a person to rheumatoid arthritis. Some situations are also believed to trigger its symptoms.

RA can be treated with a number of medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, as well as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs, both of which may be prescribed by your doctor. Examples of such drugs are Methotrexate, Enbrel, Arava, Celebrax, among others. While NSAIDs and DMARDs have been known to actually work, it is still crucial to consider the fact that these medications will at times cause negative side effects that may exacerbate rather than alleviate a patient’s overall condition.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis generally affects the elderly, for the reason that osteoarthritis results from the erosion and deterioration of the joints brought about by age. In OA, the cartilage’s water component is increased, while the protein component is lessened. Continuous joint stress, including joint injury or being overweight, can also trigger osteoarthritis. Similarly, such factors as joint infections, pregnancy, hormonal disorders, diabetes, to name a few, can bring about osteoarthritis. Treatment methods may range from prescribed localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgical procedures.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of OA & RA will help patients differentiate between these two types of arthritis.

For example, when two sides of the joint are affected, plus there is a distinctive joint inflammation, it is most probably RA. In these cases, the patient commonly experiences some fever, fatigue, plus a sense of stiffness in the entire body for 15min intervals or more. Some forms of vasculitis, or a condition affecting the arteries and veins, can also develop in response to rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have a higher 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 would not affect the major organs of the human body. In most cases, osteoarthritis only develops as a result of the aging process.

It is important for arthritis patients to distinguish between these two most common forms of arthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will allow you to to get the right treatment for your specific condition. Additionally, discussing this with a qualified doctor is advised to get an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Your physician will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment and therefore help in your recovery. If you notice some side effects from taking prescription drugs, you must contact your doctor immediately.