Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although they share similar characteristics, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have different symptoms and treatment options. The following information can help you understand these types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. OA is the most common form of arthritis and stems from a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your joints. As the cartilage wears down, your bones begin to rub against each other, causing soreness and inflammation in the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to actually attack the soft lining around your joints, known as the "synovium." This results in fluid accumulation around the affected joints, leaving them sore, stiff and tender.

Since osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown of the cartilage surrounding your joints, it usually develops later in life after a long, slow progression. Typically, OA begins in one individual joint or set of joints and may eventually spread to other areas. Unlike RA, it only affects your joints, so the symptoms are not felt throughout the rest of your body.

Rheumatoid arthritis can begin at any age and usually progresses much more quickly than OA. RA often strikes in a symmetrical pattern, meaning it affects joints on both sides of your body at the same time. It's common to experience fatigue, low-grade fever and depression when suffering from RA.

Symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with NSAID medications, like naproxen or ibuprofen, to relieve the pain and swelling. Acetaminophen may alleviate mild to moderate OA pain, but it doesn't help with inflammation. While OA sufferers can benefit from steroid injections into the affected joints, patients with RA usually need something stronger, such as an oral steroid like prednisone. RA patients also need to take a regimen of prescription medications that fight joint deterioration.

If conservative treatments don't help, your doctor may recommend surgical options, such as joint replacement surgery or an osteotomy (bone realignment).

Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing arthritis symptoms to determine if you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. An x-ray or MRI can reveal cartilage loss present in OA, while certain blood tests can be used to diagnose RA.