Rheumatoid

Arthritis
vs
Osteoarthritis
What’s the
difference?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic autoimmune
systemic inflammatory disease that affects the
joints, bones, muscles and other vital organs that
include heart, lungs, eyes etc

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that

wear and tear away the cartilage causing intense
pain and damage to the joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis - Overview

Characteristics Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis

Type of disease Autoimmune disease Degenerative disease

Main cause Synovial inflammation Cartilage degeneration

Age affected Young age Old age

(25 to 50 years and can affect too) (after 40 years)

Commonly affected Small joints Weight bearing joints

areas (such as fingers, wrist, ankle) (such as hip, knee, spine)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Inflammation of joints Muscle atrophy

Frequent fatigue Swelling of the knuckles

Stiffness Synovial thickness

Ulnar deviation Depression

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

● Environmental factors such as ● Wear and tear associated with

infection with certain viruses and aging or injury
bacteria ● Injuries to the joints
● Genetic factor ● Obesity
● Female reproductive hormones ● Heredity
● Obesity ● Overuse of the joints from sports
● Family history
 Diagnosis
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
 Treatment
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
 Conclusion

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 Rheumatology Specialist at

www.askapollo.com