Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are two of the most prevalent forms of arthritis, and knowing the difference between the two is important.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
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 attempted to isolate the cause of this condition, but a definite cause has yet to be identified. Presently, it is speculated that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes an individual to the condition. Certain environmental factors are also deemed to cause its symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be treated with certain drugs, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which can be prescribed by your doctor. Examples of such drugs are Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, Arava, among others. While these medications have been proven to be effective, it is also imperative to remember that these drugs will at times cause adverse side effects that can exacerbate rather than improve a patient's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis commonly affects older patients, because OA is the result of the erosion and deterioration of the joints brought about by the aging process. In OA, the cartilage's water component is increased, as its protein component diminishes. Continuous joint stress, including gaining weight or contracting joint injury, may also cause osteoarthritis. Additionally, certain factors as infections to the joint, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, diabetes, to name a few, can cause OA. Treatment can vary from prescribed injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgical procedures.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis can help patients learn the distinction between these two forms of arthritis.
For example, if both sides of the joint are affected, plus there is a distinctive joint inflammation, it is most likely rheumatoid arthritis. In these cases, the person usually suffers from some fatigue, fever, plus a stiffness throughout the entire body for 15 minutes or more. Some types of vasculitis, or a condition which affects the veins and arteries, also have the potential to develop as a consequence of rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have an increased risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also prevalent in RA sufferers are fibrosis of the lungs and renal amyloidosis. Lung and kidney inflammations are direct or indirect targets of rheumatoid arthritis.
Conversely, osteoarthritis does not target your major organs. In most cases, OA only occurs as a result of old age.
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. - 16650
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
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 attempted to isolate the cause of this condition, but a definite cause has yet to be identified. Presently, it is speculated that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes an individual to the condition. Certain environmental factors are also deemed to cause its symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be treated with certain drugs, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which can be prescribed by your doctor. Examples of such drugs are Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, Arava, among others. While these medications have been proven to be effective, it is also imperative to remember that these drugs will at times cause adverse side effects that can exacerbate rather than improve a patient's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis commonly affects older patients, because OA is the result of the erosion and deterioration of the joints brought about by the aging process. In OA, the cartilage's water component is increased, as its protein component diminishes. Continuous joint stress, including gaining weight or contracting joint injury, may also cause osteoarthritis. Additionally, certain factors as infections to the joint, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, diabetes, to name a few, can cause OA. Treatment can vary from prescribed injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgical procedures.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis can help patients learn the distinction between these two forms of arthritis.
For example, if both sides of the joint are affected, plus there is a distinctive joint inflammation, it is most likely rheumatoid arthritis. In these cases, the person usually suffers from some fatigue, fever, plus a stiffness throughout the entire body for 15 minutes or more. Some types of vasculitis, or a condition which affects the veins and arteries, also have the potential to develop as a consequence of rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have an increased risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also prevalent in RA sufferers are fibrosis of the lungs and renal amyloidosis. Lung and kidney inflammations are direct or indirect targets of rheumatoid arthritis.
Conversely, osteoarthritis does not target your major organs. In most cases, OA only occurs as a result of old age.
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. - 16650
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