People often use the term “arthritis” to refer to any type of joint pain or stiffness. Osteoathritis and rheumatoid arthritis are very different conditions, however, with different causes, symptoms and treatments.
Joint Inflammation and Degenerative Joint Disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease – a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, joint inflammation begins in the membrane that lines the joints. The most commonly affected areas are the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet. Over time, the cartilage in the joints and then the bone itself is eroded, causing joint deformities and disability.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint disease that is very common in older people. It is often said that osteoarthritis is simply due to “wear and tear”, but the cause is rather more complex. It is thought that, with increasing age, various factors cause the cartilage in the joints to weaken, and this leads to structural and chemical changes in the bone beneath the cartilage. The hands, knees and hips are most commonly affected. In younger people, osteoarthritis may occur following a joint injury or infection, or as a result of obesity.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
A joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis often feels stiff first thing in the morning, and is hot, swollen and tender to the touch. Blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, looking for certain antibodies that are characteristic of the disease.
The autoimmune origin of rheumatoid arthritis means that people with this condition often suffer related problems in other parts of the body. In addition to other autoimmune disorders such as uveitis, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have anaemia, skin rashes, heart and lung problems, or dry-eye syndrome.
An osteoarthritic joint is usually painful and stiff. It may also be swollen due to fluid in the joint, or a bony lump may be seen. Such lumps found on the finger joints are called Heberden’s nodes.
Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis focuses on relieving pain, preventing joint deformities, and helping people live as normal a life as possible. Weight reduction, exercise and analgesics are used to manage pain. Physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy can help with performing everyday tasks. Drugs are available that can slow the destruction of affected joints and reduce disability, while gene therapy and treatments based on biological molecules show promise for the future.
Osteoarthritis is treated in the first instance with pain-relieving drugs, weight reduction, and physiotherapy to reduce stiffness. As the condition progresses, knee or hip joint replacement surgery can reverse problems of immobility, isolation and loss of independence.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Two Different Conditions
Although “arthritis” is a useful term for describing a stiff and painful joint, it is worth remembering that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different conditions with different causes, effects and treatments.
References:
Brooks PM. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Aetiology and Clinical Features. Medicine 2002; 30(9): 44–7.
Brooks PM. Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medicine 2002; 30(9): 50–3.
Hassett G, Spector TD. Osteoarthritis. Medicine 2002; 30(8): 40–3.
Kelly CA. Extra-articular Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medicine 2002; 30(9): 48–9.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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