 | Help Fight RAApr 07, 2025 |  |
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis affect the body differently.
In RA, the joint lining becomes inflamed and eventually erodes the joint.
But in osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint is damaged by multiple different causes, and it is considered more of a mechanical (wear and tear) disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease that is not well understood by medical practitioners or researchers. Early signs of disease, such as joint swelling, joint pain, and joint stiffness, typically begins in a gradual and subtle way, with symptoms slowly developing over a period of weeks to months and getting worse over time. RA usually begins in the small bones of the hands and wrists.
RA is a progressive disease. When left untreated, inflammation can start to develop in other parts of the body, causing various potentially serious complications that can affect other organs, such as the heart, lungs, and nerves, and could cause significant long-term disability. If you're experiencing RA symptoms, it's crucial to get diagnosed as soon as possible so that you can receive prompt treatment.
Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It can affect any joint in your body. It most often happens in the hands, hips, and knees. It causes the cushion layer between your bones (called the cartilage) to wear away. This happens slowly and usually gets worse over time.
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Pain or aching in the joint.
Stiffness in the joint, especially after not moving, such as after sleeping or sitting.
Swelling and tenderness in the joint.
A clicking noise when moving the joint.
A decreased range of motion in the joint.
What causes osteoarthritis?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis isn’t known. It may be hereditary, which means it runs in families. People who play sports may get it because sports can be hard on joints. However, in most people, it seems to be related to the wear and tear put on joints over the years.
What happens when a joint is affected?
Normally, a smooth layer of cartilage acts as a pad between the bones of a joint. Cartilage helps the joint move easily and comfortably. In some people, the cartilage thins as the joints are used. This is the start of osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage wears away and the bones may rub against each other. The rubbing causes pain, swelling, and decreased motion of the joint.
Bones may even start to grow too thick on the ends where they meet to make a joint. Bits of cartilage may loosen and get in the way of movement. This also can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Who gets osteoarthritis?
There are some factors that can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:
•Being overweight or obese. Excess weight can make arthritis worse in the weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, and spine.
•Joint injury. Joints that have been injured, damaged, or had steroid injections are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
•Osteoarthritis is more common in older people because they have been using their joints longer.
•Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after age 50.
•People who have jobs that require the same movement over and over (like painting or lifting) are at higher risk.
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