Rheumatoid arthritis vs osteoarthritis
Many people usually get confused and cannot differentiate between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both disorders affect joints and have many similar manifestations. RA and osteoarthritis are the most common forms of joint diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a malfunctioning immune system that attacks normal joint tissue, while osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by the gradual wearing of joint cartilage over several years Rheumatoid is reported to be more common in people aged between 25 – 45 years. Osteoarthritis is more common in senile people whose bodies cannot regenerate worn-out cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis certain cause is still unknown while mechanical friction between the bones of the joint is the main cause of osteoarthritis.
RA and osteoarthritis share many similar symptoms as both lead to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. osteoarthritis symptoms develop gradually over time, while rheumatoid symptoms start as a flare without previous signs or warnings. Rheumatoid usually affects small joints such as hands and feet while osteoarthritis usually affects weight-bearing joints which carry much weight such as the knee joint.
