Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are the two most prevalent types of arthritis, and differentiating between the two is important.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more prevalent, afflicting a myriad of people all over the world. Rheumatoid is basically an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. Through time, the inflammation can gradually affect the major organs of the human body and may progress into a debilitating disease.
In the past, medical research has tried to discover the cause of this condition, but the specific cause has not been identified. At present, it is speculated that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes a patient to this disease. Certain environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
RA can be treated with a number of drugs, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), both of which can be prescribed by your physician. Common examples of such drugs are Celebrax, Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, among others. Though these medications have been known to be effective, it is still imperative to consider the fact that these products will in some cases trigger negative side effects that can exacerbate rather than cure a patient's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is more common among older people, as OA is caused primarily by joint "wear and tear" triggered by the aging process. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage's water component rises, whereas its protein component diminishes. Persistent stress or use of the joints, like being overweight or contracting joint injury, can also cause this condition. Similarly, certain factors as joint infections, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal disorders, among others, can bring about osteoarthritis. Treatment can vary from localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to surgical joint replacement procedures.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Familiarizing the symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis may help you distinguish between these 2 types of arthritis.
When both sides of the joint are affected, plus the joint appears to be inflamed as indicated by a distinctive swelling or reddening in color, the disease is most likely RA. In such cases, the person usually suffers from some fatigue, fever, plus a sense of stiffness throughout the body that lasts for 15min intervals or more. Certain manifestations of vasculitis, or a condition which affects the veins and arteries, can also develop due to rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, RA patients have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also typical among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney may be affected directly or indirectly due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Conversely, OA would not affect your body's major organs. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only occurs as a consequence of the aging process.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away. - 15438
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more prevalent, afflicting a myriad of people all over the world. Rheumatoid is basically an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. Through time, the inflammation can gradually affect the major organs of the human body and may progress into a debilitating disease.
In the past, medical research has tried to discover the cause of this condition, but the specific cause has not been identified. At present, it is speculated that the cause is a genetic factor which predisposes a patient to this disease. Certain environmental factors are also deemed to set off its symptoms.
RA can be treated with a number of drugs, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), both of which can be prescribed by your physician. Common examples of such drugs are Celebrax, Arava, Enbrel, Methotrexate, among others. Though these medications have been known to be effective, it is still imperative to consider the fact that these products will in some cases trigger negative side effects that can exacerbate rather than cure a patient's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is more common among older people, as OA is caused primarily by joint "wear and tear" triggered by the aging process. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage's water component rises, whereas its protein component diminishes. Persistent stress or use of the joints, like being overweight or contracting joint injury, can also cause this condition. Similarly, certain factors as joint infections, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal disorders, among others, can bring about osteoarthritis. Treatment can vary from localized injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to surgical joint replacement procedures.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Familiarizing the symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis may help you distinguish between these 2 types of arthritis.
When both sides of the joint are affected, plus the joint appears to be inflamed as indicated by a distinctive swelling or reddening in color, the disease is most likely RA. In such cases, the person usually suffers from some fatigue, fever, plus a sense of stiffness throughout the body that lasts for 15min intervals or more. Certain manifestations of vasculitis, or a condition which affects the veins and arteries, can also develop due to rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, RA patients have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also typical among rheumatoid arthritic sufferers are renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammations of the lungs and the kidney may be affected directly or indirectly due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Conversely, OA would not affect your body's major organs. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis only occurs as a consequence of the aging process.
It is important for arthritis sufferers to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Knowing what type of arthritis you suffer from will you lead to to obtain the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Of course, visiting a doctor is advised for an accurate diagnosis and applicable treatment. Your medical doctor will be able to prescribe the necessary form of treatment and thus help in your recovery. If you feel some side effects from using prescription drugs, contact your doctor right away. - 15438
About the Author:
To grab a copy of Amy's Free Arthritis Relief Guide, and to read more articles related to Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, please visit the arthritis website at http://www.ridarthritispain.com .
