Difference Between Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
These are the most common types of arthritis. They have some similarities but are entirely different from each other basing on symptoms, causes and the nature of pain. However, it is complicated for most people to tell the difference between the two conditions. In the recent past, there were a lot of problems when it came to the treatment of the two conditions. Most people were given the wrong treatment as it was a bit complicated to differentiate between the two kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most widespread arthritis. It affects ten times as many people like those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. A lot of finances have been used by different universities, scholars and medical professionals on the two types of arthritis and understanding their various causes and treatments. In some aspect, the research has paid off and patients today get more help to deal with these types of arthritis in comparison to the past.
Causes of the two types of arthritis
The reasons for these two kinds of arthritis are almost similar. Both affect the joint. However, the reasons behind the joint conditions are different in the two conditions. In rheumatoid arthritis, joints are affected by wear and tear. It could be as a result of a continued reduction in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. Besides, it is a common condition with most athletes. The primary cause of this condition is overuse and injuries. Due to overuse, there is a reduction in the quality of synovial fluid. It leads to the reduced effect of the fluid leading to the mechanical wear of the joints surfaces. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are attacked by the body’s immune system. It is an autoimmune condition, and the body immune system sees the body joints as a threat and starts working against them. The synovial fluid is reduced, and their immune system eats up some parts of the joint surfaces. The wear in both conditions leads to arthritis and joint pain.
Age at which the condition occurs
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a condition in the immune system. It does not have a particular age at which it sets in. It can affect people of all ages. However, after it has started, its effect is very fast. In two months’ time after onset, it will have a significant impact on the joints, and there is severe pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, sets on later in life. However, as earlier stated, the condition may be more common for people in sports and bodybuilders involved in activities. It may, therefore, set in early if the joints are injured. Also, in the case of accidents, the condition may set in early. Otherwise, in the absence of all these other factors, osteoarthritis will affect people in old age. Its effect is also slow and will be felt for a long time. As joint get old with time, some mechanical damage may start to happen with time. The level of pain may be small as compared with rheumatoid arthritis but it increases with time, and it may take years before the condition gets worse. You then start noticing severe pain in the joints.
Swollen joints
For rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are swollen. It leads to pressing and a lot of pressure as you try to move. Joints become stiff with time and very painful. Because of the inflammation, movements related to these joints become more of a problem. In osteoarthritis, joints are tender and do not get stiff. They ache sometimes but the joint pain is not as much, and movement may not be very complicated. Swelling occurs in a few conditions, and some people may not have swollen joints at all. The anti-inflammatory gel should be used to reduce inflammation and for joint pain relief.
Pattern of joints that are affected
Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in both symmetries of the body. For example, if it affects the balls of the feet, it is on both feet. It also affects joints indiscriminatingly. It will affect both small and large joints. Osteoarthritis mostly affects the large weight-bearing joints. The other sets of joints that are affected are the spine joints and finger joints. This condition starts with one side of the body symmetry. With time, the disease may spread to other areas. However, this will depend on the cause of the mechanical wear. When the wear is caused by accidents and because of exercising, the condition may affect joints on only one side of the body. It will affect the injured joint that had the accident. However, when it is as a result of aging, the condition may gradually spread to the other side of the body symmetry.
Stiffness in the joints
Rheumatoid arthritis is closely associated with stiffness and especially in the morning hours. Stiffness will be for a greater duration. However, in osteoarthritis, stiffness is less. It will be felt in the morning and sometimes after exercising activities.
Conclusion
Exercising may help reduce joint pains and stiffness. However, it should be controlled to avoid too much pressure on the already affected bones.
References:
https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/natural-joint-pain-relief-supplements.html
