Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis: Understanding the Key Differences

Arthritis is a common condition characterized by joint pain and stiffness, worsening with age. There are various types of arthritis, but the two most prevalent forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding the differences between these two types is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative disease, where cartilage—the hard, slippery tissue covering bone ends at joints—breaks down. This degeneration leads to pain and mobility issues. Risk factors for OA include overuse of joints, obesity, and older age.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. As an autoimmune disorder, RA causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own tissues, particularly affecting the joints. It tends to target smaller joints like fingers, wrists, ankles, and feet, often in a symmetrical pattern. This results in chronic inflammation throughout the body, accompanied by symptoms such as joint stiffness (especially in the mornings or after inactivity), fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

While both OA and RA cause joint pain and can result in significant discomfort and disability, their underlying causes and progression differ markedly. RA is more systemic, often affecting the entire body, whereas OA is typically more localized, affecting specific joints.

For a deeper understanding of these conditions, the following resources provide comprehensive information:

HealthCentral
Medical News Today
Verywell Health
Mayo Clinic on Arthritis
WebMD
Mayo Clinic on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Verywell Health on Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis