Osteoarthritis - Care Guide

The Differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Condition

Osteoarthritis (also referred to as degenerative joint disease or wear-and-tear arthritis) is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones that form a joint. Cartilage loss can cause bone to rub on bone in a joint -- a condition that is very painful.  

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. It is also classified as an autoimmune disease (i.e., immune cells attack the body's own healthy tissues). The synovium (lining of the joint) is primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but organs body-wide can be affected as well. 

Causes

Osteoarthritis results from deterioration of cartilage within the joint. The major risk factor is age, and approximately 70% of people over the age of 65 show some degree of osteoarthritis upon x-ray. Gender (the condition is more common in women) and joint injury and trauma (e.g., fracture) also are significant risk factors.

Osteoarthritis occurs when there is damage to the protective surface (cartilage) that allows your joints to move smoothly. The cartilage becomes worn and uneven which causes your bones to get thicker and broader.

The exact reasons why you may develop rheumatoid arthritis aren't fully understood at present. There are a number of things that seem to be involved. Women are nearly three times more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis than men. Symptoms tend to improve during pregnancy, suggesting that hormones and the immune system may be involved. It's possible that rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by an infection or virus, but there isn't any evidence to prove this. Having certain genes makes it more likely that you will get RA, and the disease runs in some families. Lifestyle factors may also increase your risk, for example, if you smoke or are obese.

Starting Point

Usually osteoarthritis begins in a single joint.

Multiple joints are usually involved with rheumatoid arthritis.

Age at which the condition starts

Osteoarthritis usually begins later in life.

Rheumatoid arthritis may begin any time in life.

Speed of onset

Slow, over years

Relatively rapid, over weeks to months

Joint symptoms

Joints ache and may be tender but have little or no swelling.

Joints are painful, swollen, and stiff.

Pattern of joints that are affected

Osteoarthritis symptoms often begin on one side of the body and may spread to the other side. Symptoms begin gradually and are often limited to one set of joints, usually the finger joints closest to the fingernails or the thumbs, large weight-bearing joints (hips, knees), or the spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects small and large joints on both sides of the body (symmetrical), such as both hands, both wrists or elbows, or the balls of both feet.

Duration of morning stiffness

Morning stiffness lasts a half hour or less. With osteoarthritis, joint pain is often worse later in the day.

Rheumatoid arthritis related morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.

Presence of symptoms affecting the whole body

Whole-body symptoms are not present with osteoarthritis; however, the affected joints can also swell, feel warm, and become stiff after prolonged inactivity. Bone spurs, bony enlargements (Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes), and limited range of motion are also characteristics of osteoarthritis.

Frequent fatigue and a general feeling of being ill are present, involvement of the small bones of the hands and feet, extreme fatigue, rheumatoid nodules, and symmetrical joint involvement (both knees, not just one) are all characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis. There also can be lung, kidney, or cardiac involvement.

Self-help

Exercise. If your osteoarthritis causes you pain and stiffness, you may not think that exercise is for you. However, exercise is very important for treating osteoarthritis. Lose weight - Being overweight or obese makes your osteoarthritis worse because the extra weight puts even more strain on your joints, particularly those in your lower limbs that bear your weight. Therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage are some of the other commonly used complementary therapies for osteoarthritis. Some people may find that they help, although they can be expensive and time-consuming.

To manage rheumatoid arthritis, find a balance between exercise and rest. It's important to exercise to stop your joints from becoming weak and stiff but don't do too much. Swimming is excellent because it strengthens your muscles and joints without putting any strain on them. Losing excess weight will reduce the pressure on your joints. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and cut down on saturated fats. Use a splint on the affected joint and rest it during a flare-up.

Food Supplements

A number of supplements are available for treating osteoarthritis. Two of the most common supplements for osteoarthritis are chondroitin and glucosamine.

Rheumatoid arthritis supplements include: omega-3 fatty acids - found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, and some plant seed oils and nuts, borage seed oil and evening primrose oil