Both Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis play parts in my family’s life, I suffer from RA, my mother from OA. Discussing the symptoms and causes were quite interesting as we realized the difference and similarities between the two.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a sytemic auto-immune disease. It’s a chronic disorder that cause the immune system to attack the joints, causing inflammation and damage; it can also attack other organs as well, such as the skin, lungs, and heart.

I first began to notice that both my hands and knees where aching, which is one symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis- this is a symmetrical pattern, pain on both sides of the body.

  • Other symptoms include:
  • * morning stiffness lasting longer than 20 minutes
  • * low grade fever
  • * pain in 3 or more joints at the same time                                     
  • * flu-like symptoms
  • * fatigue or weakness
  • * change in weight

RA is usually diagnosed by blood test, finding a factor in the blood called a rheumatoid factor and by performing x-rays.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur suddenly or start gradually and can vary from person to person.

In most cases, the disease will be mild with periods of activity/joint inflammation (flare-ups) and inactivity (remissions). However, in some individuals,  the disease will be continuously active and appear to get worse, or progress, over time. If any warning sign lasts more than two weeks, see your doctor. If your doctor believes that you have RA, it is important to see a rheumatologist right away, to be properly diagnosed and begin treatment. 

In 20% of cases, lumps called rheumatoid nodules develop under the skin, often over bony areas, such as knuckles, elbows, or knees; but can be found elsewhere on the body and even in internal organs. Occasionally, people with RA will develop inflammation of the membranes that surround the heart and lung or inflammation of the lung tissue itself. Inflammation of tear glands and salivary glands (called sicca syndrome) results in dry eyes and dry mouth. In rare cases, Rheumatoid Arthritis causes inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), which affects the skin, nerves and other organs.

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) is classified as non-inflammatory arthritis, a disease that affects joints in the body. It is the most common form of arthritis. OA can involve any joint, but usually concerns hands and weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, feet and spine. It is generally caused by a history of injury to the joint or progression of wear and tear.

Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. In healthy joints cartilage acts as a shock absorber when you put weight on the joint. The slippery surface of the cartilage allows the bones to move smoothly. When a joint develops osteoarthritis the cartilage gradually becomes rough and thin, and there is destruction or decrease of synovial fluid that lubricates those joints, and the bone underneath thickens. The bone may produce form bumps which are referred to as bone spurs. Or, the cartilage may wear away entirely, and bones may rub together.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:

  • *Gradual worsening of chronic joint pain, that is worsened by exercise or weight-bearing activity.
  • *Swelling in the joints.
  • *Limited range of motion in the joints.
  • *Joints that are especially stiff in the morning.
  • *The joints grating during motion.
  • *Joint pain that worsens during rainy weather.

 

It is important for anyone suffering from arthritis to keep as active as possible in order to prevent ligaments from becoming lax and the atrophy of muscles to due inactivity.

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