Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid are the two most prevalent types of arthritis, and differentiating between the two is important.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more widespread, affecting numerous patients across the globe. RA is chiefly an inflammation affecting the tissue that covers the joints throughout the human body. In due course, the inflammation may spread to your major organs and may even 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.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be treated with certain drugs, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which can be prescribed by your doctor. Examples of such drugs are Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, Arava, among others. While these medications have been proven to be effective, it is also imperative to remember that these drugs will at times cause adverse side effects that can exacerbate rather than improve a patient's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects older people, for the reason that osteoarthritis is caused primarily by the wear and tear of the joints triggered by the aging process. In OA, the water component of the cartilage is increased, whereas the protein component diminishes. Constant stress or use of the joints, like getting joint injury or gaining weight, can also trigger this condition. In addition, certain factors as infections of the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, for example, can set off OA. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed local injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis may help you differentiate between these 2 types of arthritis.
If two sides of the joint are affected, plus there is joint swelling or reddening (i.e. inflammation), it is most probably RA. In such cases, the person usually experiences some fever, fatigue, and a sensation of stiffness throughout the entire body for fifteen minutes or more. Some forms of vasculitis, a condition affecting the veins and arteries, may also develop in response to RA. Further, rheumatoid arthritis patients have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also widespread 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 by RA.
Conversely, OA would not affect the organs of the human body. In the majority of cases, OA only occurs as a result 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. - 15683
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more widespread, affecting numerous patients across the globe. RA is chiefly an inflammation affecting the tissue that covers the joints throughout the human body. In due course, the inflammation may spread to your major organs and may even 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.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be treated with certain drugs, such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), both of which can be prescribed by your doctor. Examples of such drugs are Enbrel, Methotrexate, Celebrax, Arava, among others. While these medications have been proven to be effective, it is also imperative to remember that these drugs will at times cause adverse side effects that can exacerbate rather than improve a patient's overall condition.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects older people, for the reason that osteoarthritis is caused primarily by the wear and tear of the joints triggered by the aging process. In OA, the water component of the cartilage is increased, whereas the protein component diminishes. Constant stress or use of the joints, like getting joint injury or gaining weight, can also trigger this condition. In addition, certain factors as infections of the joint, hormonal disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, for example, can set off OA. Treatment methods can vary from prescribed local injections of hyaluronan and glucocorticoid to joint replacement surgeries.
Signs and Symptoms of RA and OA
Familiarizing the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis may help you differentiate between these 2 types of arthritis.
If two sides of the joint are affected, plus there is joint swelling or reddening (i.e. inflammation), it is most probably RA. In such cases, the person usually experiences some fever, fatigue, and a sensation of stiffness throughout the entire body for fifteen minutes or more. Some forms of vasculitis, a condition affecting the veins and arteries, may also develop in response to RA. Further, rheumatoid arthritis patients have greater risk for heart attack or a stroke.
Also widespread 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 by RA.
Conversely, OA would not affect the organs of the human body. In the majority of cases, OA only occurs as a result 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. - 15683
About the Author:
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