| Although they are sometimes confused and some | | | | responses are actually quite complex. But, the purpose |
| symptoms are similar, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid | | | | here is to briefly and simply describe the primary |
| arthritis are very different diseases. According to a | | | | difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid |
| paper titled "Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis" | | | | arthritis, so that people may better understand the |
| released by the Terrebonne General Medical Center | | | | difference in treatment choices and the need for |
| (TGMC), joint pain should be evaluated by a doctor. | | | | professional diagnosis and early treatment. |
| Because, even though the symptoms of the two | | | | In "Osteoarthrits vs Rheumatoid Arthritis", TGMC staff |
| conditions are similar, the long-term effects can be | | | | writers warn that, if left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis |
| quite different. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can | | | | can cause serious damage to joints in as little as two |
| destroy the joints, cause deformities and inflammation | | | | years. Aggressive treatment early on may prevent the |
| in other parts of the body. | | | | progression of the disease. People sometime go into |
| The causes of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis | | | | periods of remission, where little or no symptoms are |
| are different. Although genetics or heredity may play a | | | | present. |
| role in both, as it does in many diseases, osteoarthritis | | | | Natural anti-inflammatories, such as omega 3 fatty |
| is often referred to as "wear and tear" in the joints | | | | acids, may help benefit these arthritic conditions, |
| that occurs over a period of many years or even a | | | | although they are certainly not cures. |
| lifetime and is most common in people over the age of | | | | According to The John Hopkins Arthritis Center: |
| 50. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, can affect | | | | "The major goals of treatment of the arthritis are to |
| children or adults. It is not caused by "wear and tear". It | | | | reduce pain and discomfort, prevent deformities and |
| causes "wear and tear". | | | | loss of joint function, and maintain a productive and |
| In explaining osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis, a | | | | active life. Inflammation must be suppressed...."[End |
| simple illustration of bones, cartilage and the synovial | | | | Quote] |
| membrane is often used, but explaining the cause of | | | | And according to the University of Maryland's Medical |
| rheumatoid arthritis is far from simple. It is considered | | | | Website: |
| by most to be an inflammatory autoimmune disorder, | | | | "Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 |
| although there are other theories. | | | | fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions |
| In an autoimmune disorder, the body fails to recognize | | | | have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid arthritis. |
| its own parts down to the cellular level. Because, the | | | | Several articles reviewing the research in this area |
| natural immune system response is to attack those | | | | conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce |
| things that do not belong in the body, if the immune | | | | tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and |
| system fails to recognize a body part as part of itself, | | | | allow for a reduction in the amount of medication |
| then it will naturally launch an attack against that body | | | | needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
| part. | | | | Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna |
| In rheumatoid arthritis, it is believed that the immune | | | | canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty |
| system considers some part of the joint (whether it be | | | | acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and |
| bone, cartilage or fluid) an invader. Signals are sent out | | | | pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace |
| among the cells and the immune system launches its | | | | in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."[End |
| attack. White blood cells are sent to the area to fight | | | | Quote] |
| infection (even though no infection is present), | | | | Therefore, if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and |
| inflammatory compounds are produced (even though | | | | osteoarthritis, you may want to include more omega 3 |
| there is no need for inflammation) and swelling, | | | | fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory effects. Talk to |
| redness and pain is experienced in the joints. | | | | your doctor. |
| This is a very simplified explanation. Immune system | | | | |