Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause joint pain and swelling, but they are very different diseases. RA is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease affecting other organs and joints. OA is a degenerative process that only affects the joints. OA and RA differ in how the symptoms start and which parts of the body they commonly affect. The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces “Arthritis” is a term you have heard before, but what is it? Arthritis describes a disease that triggers joint pain. “Arthro” means joint, and “itis” means inflammation. But there are different types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are two common types. RA and OA both cause pain and swelling in the joints. But they are two very different diseases. It is essential to know the difference because they have distinct complications and treatments. And proper treatment can slow down joint damage from arthritis. What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that affects joints and other organ systems. It is an autoimmune disease. It means your immune system causes the problem. It results in inflammation in the joints, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, this can damage the joints. RA most commonly affects these joints:
What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It is estimated to affect over 30 million Americans. Like RA, OA also damages the joints, causing pain and swelling. But the cause of OA is degeneration (breakdown) of cartilage in the joints, not an autoimmune disease. It happens over time with age, which is why people often describe it as the wear and tear of the joints. Symptoms typically appear after age 50. But OA can also happen earlier in life. For example, a joint injury or overuse (repetitive motion) can speed up the damage. Inflammation is also possible when OA “flares” or gets worse from time to time. But inflammation is not the cause of the damage. It is from degeneration and can also lead to a further joint breakdown. Symptoms of OA can include:
What are the difference between OA and RA? Similarities Although OA and RA are very different conditions, they have some things in common. OA and RA are similar in that they:
Differences Some critical differences between OA and RA can help your provider determine the cause of your joint pain. This table highlights the key differences.
How do you know if you have OA or RA? If you have joint pain, the best thing to do is to see your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what’s going on. Knowing about any medical problems you or your family have is helpful because autoimmune diseases tend to run in the family. A physical exam is also essential. Your provider will examine your joints for warmth, redness, and swelling. They will also see if you have symptoms on both sides of your body. Your exam will likely include bloodwork. Several labs can be abnormal in RA but not in OA. X-rays are also helpful in making the diagnosis. They can help your provider look closely at what is happening in the joints. Can an X-ray show the difference between OA and RA? Yes, joints in RA look different than joints in OA. That is why X-rays help figure out the cause of joint pain. On an X-ray, there is less space between the bones in OA. But in RA, the bone is more eroded. That said, X-rays can be routine in either condition if caught early. Other imaging tests, such as MRI, can also be helpful. MRIs can offer more in-depth images of the joints. It can be beneficial in the early stages of RA. An MRI can show joint inflammation even when X-rays are normal. So your provider may suggest an MRI if you have symptoms of RA but no evidence of arthritis on the X-ray. Can any other tests show the difference between OA and RA? Yes, depending on what your exam and X-rays show, your provider might order blood tests, too. Since RA is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease, there are certain things to look for in the blood. These include markers of inflammation and autoantibodies. Your healthcare provider will likely check these labs:
What increases your risk for OA vs. RA? Several things can increase your risk of developing OA. These include:
Can you have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis at the same time? Yes, it is possible to have both OA and RA simultaneously. Having RA also makes you more likely to develop OA. That is because the chronic inflammation caused by RA can lead to repeated joint trauma. It increases the risk of OA over time. OA and RA may cause changes in the same joint or affect different joints simultaneously. Keeping inflammation down and decreasing risk factors may help people with RA prevent OA.
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