Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic autoimmune
systemic inflammatory disease that affects the
joints, bones, muscles and other vital organs that
include heart, lungs, eyes etc

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis What’s the difference?

2. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that wear and tear away the cartilage causing intense pain and damage to the joints Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, bones, muscles and other vital organs that include heart, lungs, eyes etc

3. Characteristics Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis Type of disease Autoimmune disease Degenerative disease Main cause Synovial inflammation Cartilage d egeneration Age affected Y oung age (25 to 50 years and can affect too) O ld age (after 40 years) Commonly affected areas S mall joints (such as fingers, wrist, ankle) W eight bearing joints (such as hip, knee, spine) Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis - Overview

4. Inflammation of joints Frequent fatigue Stiffness Ulnar deviation Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Muscle atrophy Swelling of the knuckles Synovial thickness Depression

5. No systemic symptoms Localized joint pain (Knee and hips) but NO swelling Fatigue Muscle weakness Osteoarthritis Symptoms Bony enlargement and deformity Instability, restricted movement, joint locked Depression Comorbid conditions (bursitis, fibromyalgia, gout)

6. Rheumatoid Arthritis Environmental factors such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria Genetic factor Female reproductive hormones Obesity Family history Osteoarthritis Wear and tear associated with aging or injury Injuries to the joints Obesity Heredity Overuse of the joints from sports Causes & Risk factors

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Test- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels   Serum Test X-rays, Ultrasounds, MRI Synovial Fluid Test Osteoarthritis X-ray Pain assessment- peri articular and articular source of pain, presence of deformity, evidence of muscle wasting, local inflammation. asymmetrical joints Diagnosis

8. Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications ( NSAIDs, DMARDs, corticosteroids ) Complementary therapies: Heat and cold therapy, Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Splinting, Physical therapy Surgical methods: Arthroplasty, Arthrodesis, Synovectomy, Joint replacement Osteoarthritis Pain and anti-inflammatory medications NSAIDs (short term use) Acetaminophen, Analgesics Physical and occupational therapies Surgical methods: Joint replacement surgeries Treatment

9. Though both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are severe, unremitting form of arthritis that causes debilitating joint damage, but it can be easily managed through timely medical interventions and self management methods. If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, then immediately consult a rheumatologist. Book an online appointment with our R heumatolog y Specialist at www.askapollo.com Conclusion