what is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Answer:
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two distinct types of arthritis that affect the joints in different ways.
Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is more common and is mainly due to wear and tear on the joints over time. Osteoarthritis typically occurs in older individuals and affects the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage. It can affect people of any age and often involves multiple joints at once. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may also include fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
In summary, the main differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis lie in their causes, age of onset, joint involvement, and additional systemic symptoms. It is essential for a healthcare professional to properly diagnose and differentiate between the two conditions for appropriate management and treatment.