| Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are two of the most | | | | disorders, diabetes, and others can lead to |
| common forms of arthritis, and it is important to | | | | osteoarthritis. Treatment can range from localized |
| differentiate between the two. | | | | injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to surgical |
| What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? | | | | joint replacement procedures. |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is more widespread, affecting | | | | Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis |
| thousands of individuals worldwide. This disease is | | | | The symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid |
| primarily an inflammatory condition that affects the | | | | Arthritis can help patients differentiate between these |
| tissue that covers the joints throughout the human | | | | two types of arthritis. |
| body. Over time, the inflammation can gradually spread | | | | For example, if both sides of the joint are affected, |
| to the major organs of the human body and has the | | | | and if the joint appears to be inflamed as indicated by |
| potential to become a debilitating condition. | | | | a distinctive swelling or reddening in color, the disease |
| Historically, scientific research has attempted to identify | | | | is most likely rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, the |
| the specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but a definite | | | | patient typically experiences some fever, fatigue, and a |
| cause has yet to be discovered. Currently, the culprit is | | | | sensation of stiffness throughout the body that lasts |
| believed to be a genetic factor that predisposes an | | | | for 15 minute intervals or more. Different types of |
| individual to the disease. Certain events are also | | | | vasculitis, or a condition in which the veins and arteries |
| believed to trigger its symptoms. | | | | are affected, can also develop as a consequence of |
| Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with a number of | | | | rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, people with this |
| medications, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal | | | | disease have a higher risk of getting a heart attack or |
| anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as DMARDs or | | | | a stroke. |
| disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, both of which | | | | Also common among rheumatoid arthritic patients are |
| can be prescribed by a qualified physician. Popular | | | | renal amyloidosis and fibrosis of the lungs. Inflammation |
| examples of such medicines are Methotrexate, Enbrel, | | | | of the kidney and the lungs are direct or indirect |
| Arava, Celebrax, and numerous others. Although these | | | | targets of rheumatoid arthritis. |
| drugs have been known to produce positive results, it | | | | In contrast, osteoarthritis does not target the organs of |
| is also imperative to bear in mind that these products | | | | the human body. In the majority of cases, osteoarthritis |
| have been reported to trigger negative side effects | | | | only occurs as a result of old age. |
| that can impair rather than improve one's condition. | | | | It is extremely crucial for arthritic patients to distinguish |
| What is Osteoarthritis? | | | | between these two types of arthritis. Knowing which |
| Osteoarthritis is more prevalent among older patients, | | | | type of arthritis one suffers from will lead a person to |
| as this condition results from the wear and tear of the | | | | get the appropriate treatment for his/her condition. As |
| joints brought about by age. In osteoarthritis, the | | | | always, consulting a physician is imperative for a more |
| cartilage's water component increases, whereas its | | | | definite diagnosis and subsequent treatment. A qualified |
| protein component decreases. Constant stress or use | | | | doctor can prescribe the necessary medication and |
| of the joints, such as being overweight or contracting | | | | therefore point you to the right direction. In case of side |
| joint injury, can also trigger this disease. In addition, such | | | | effects from the use of prescribed drugs, contacting |
| factors as joint infections, pregnancy, hormonal | | | | your doctor immediately is a must. |