Rheumatoid Arthritis: It's the Same as Arthritis, isn't It?

What makes Rheumatoid Arthritis different?
 

There are two main types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, these are the two types we will be comparing and discussing in this article. Despite the fact that both of these forms of arthritis cause joint pain and soreness, that’s about where the connection ends, apart from the name of course. These two diseases have extremely different impacts, although both are chronic.

RA is a more complex disease which has a range of varying symptoms and complications that differ from person to person. Both diseases have different causes, symptoms, prognoses and treatments, however, they are commonly confused with each other. Why? Because in the early stages of both diseases the symptoms are very similar.
 

The main difference between RA and osteoarthritis is the ‘nature’ of the condition. RA is an autoimmune health problem that causes inflamed joints throughout the body. Whereas, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that is linked to old age and general wear and tear on the joints, usually only affecting certain areas of the body not the whole thing. While osteoarthritis may sometimes cause inflammatory symptoms like RA does, it mainly impacts the cartilage in the joints. Another difference is that while osteoarthritis usually develops later in life, RA can develop at any age and is most common in people aged 30 to 60.

 

RA vs. Osteoarthritis: what’s the cause?
 

These two diseases are caused by different issues, complete with varying risk factors, it’s this that is a key part of what divides these two conditions.
 

What causes osteoarthritis?
 

Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by day-to-day wear of the joints and usually targets specific joints within the body. It is common in the knees, hands and elbows. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that tends to worsen over time; it can be caused by playing certain sports and doing some activities - the more repetitive the movement the more likely it is that you will develop osteoarthritis.
 

Any activities that pose additional pressure on the joints can cause the cartilage to wear down over time. Past injuries that did not repair properly, such as broken bones, can also increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis. There’s also a potential genetic risk factor when it comes to the cause of this condition - studies have shown that it is possible to inherit cartilage deterioration.
 

What causes RA?
 

The specific cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is not currently known. What doctors do know however is that RA is often triggered by an autoimmune condition, which is where harmful antibodies are created and then go on to attack healthy joint tissue causing the onset of RA. However, what causes this autoimmune condition to develop in certain people is unknown.
 

There are also risk factors for RA which doctors believe can trigger this condition and increase its likelihood of occurring. These include genetic risk factors, such as having a relative with RA, environmental factors, hormonal ones, and also lifestyle factors such as being overweight and smoking. There is not one specific cause for RA, just a variety of risk factors that could contribute to causing it.

 

RA vs. Osteoarthritis: what are the symptoms of RA?
 

The onset of RA tends to happen rather rapidly, with the condition worsening in just a few weeks. Whereas osteoarthritis symptoms tend to develop more slowly, and gradually get worse over a long period of time.
 

While RA tends to affect joints across the body, from the fingers and hands to the knees and hips, osteoarthritis tends to affect certain areas that have seen the most wear and tear, such as the knees and thumbs. RA will always impact multiple areas, whereas osteoarthritis may only affect one joint area.
 

What symptoms does RA cause that osteoarthritis does not?
 

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain and swelling

 

Osteoarthritis only causes joint pain, whereas RA also causes additional symptoms like those mentioned above. One trend that RA usually have is producing symmetrical symptoms, meaning that both sides of the body are similarly affected. Whereas this is not necessarily the case for osteoarthritis, as it’s caused by how worn out a certain joint is.
 

RA can also cause prolonged stiffness in the morning, lasting longer than half an hour. While people with osteoarthritis may feel morning stiffness, it usually subsides within half an hour of waking up.
 

To give you a better idea, below is a symptom comparison:
 

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

 

• Joint pain, stiffness, swelling affecting various joints
• Symmetrical symptoms
• Morning stiffness lasting longer than half an hour
• Extra symptoms like fatigue, fever, and malaise

 

Osteoarthritis Symptoms:
 

• Joint pain and stiffness usually affecting the hands, fingers or knees
• Joints on one side affected worse than on the other side
• Morning stiffness lasting less than half an hour
• Potential spine and hip pain as well

 

RA vs Osteoarthritis: how are these diseases diagnosed?
 

While both of these diseases are types of arthritis, they are diagnosed in two separate ways. However, it can often be difficult to distinguish one from the other, as their symptoms can be very similar.
 

RA is diagnosed by having a physical examination done and via taking into account any family history of this disease. Blood tests are also taken to check for antibodies that may have triggered the onset of RA. Imaging tests are often also done to determine how much damage has been done to the joints.
 

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed via imaging tests, such as an MRI scan and X-Rays, which can show the damage to the joints and the continued deterioration that is occurring. It cannot be diagnosed with a specific blood test, but a blood test can help to rule out RA as a pose to osteoarthritis, which can be helpful.

 

RA vs. Osteoarthritis: what’s the prognosis and treatment?
 

Both conditions are chronic - AKA long-term diseases - and neither has a known cure. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, meaning that it will continue to get worse over time. However, with the correct treatment, people with osteoarthritis can have a positive prognosis.
 

Sadly, RA is far more unpredictable in terms of its prognosis. Various complications can arise as a result of this autoimmune disorder, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases developing. People with RA are also at higher risk of lupus and lymphoma, as RA can progress differently in each person, which means that there is no ‘general’ prognosis for this condition.
 

Neither of these diseases has a known cure, the object of treatment is to manage symptoms and reduce pain, in addition to preventing further joint damage where possible. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are used to reduce pain and swelling in both conditions - ibuprofen is a common drug used.
 

As RA is an autoimmune condition, special drugs are used to stop the immune system from attacking itself and causing more damage.
 

For both conditions, physical and occupational therapy can be used to aid mobility and make daily life easier. Exercise, managing weight and leading a healthy life can help make managing both conditions easier.
 

While both conditions share similarities, RA is far more serious in terms of its prognosis and impact on daily life, which is why raising awareness is so crucial.

There are many other types of arthritis, including gout and fibromyalgia.