Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are two prevalent forms of arthritis, each with distinct characteristics and impacts on the body. While they both cause joint pain and dysfunction, their underlying causes and manifestations differ significantly.
RA is an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, particularly the synovium—the lining of the joints. This results in inflammation, pain, and eventually, joint damage. RA symptoms are often symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body, and can also cause systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever.
On the other hand, OA is primarily a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. OA typically affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, and its symptoms are generally localized to the affected joints.
Despite these differences, RA and OA share some common symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. However, the nature of the pain differs: RA pain is often described as a throbbing and aching soreness, while OA pain is usually more of a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially during movement.
It’s also important to note that OA is far more common than RA, affecting around ten times as many people. However, RA is recognized as the more disabling type of arthritis due to its systemic nature and potential for severe joint damage.
For more information, visit WebMD, Rheumatoid Arthritis.org, Healthline, CreakyJoints, Patient.info, and Verywell Health for detailed comparisons and insights.
