Arthritis can be a very complicated and even painful illness to have. There are several different types of arthritis; in fact about 150 of them have been identified. However, of these many varieties the most common types are both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
If you believe you have arthritis, it is important that you speak with someone about it so that you're aware of the treatment options available to you. You may find that there are more natural remedies for arthritis; however, a true diagnosis is the only way to determine this.
Many times people confuse both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, though they are two completely different types. By reviewing the information below you should be able to easily establish the differences between these common types.
Let's start with the basics by first describing what each of these types of arthritis are.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (also known as OA) is described as a serious breaking down of your bone cartilage. Many get this medical condition as a result of trauma, aging, or advanced wear and tear. You will find that the parts typically affected are the hips, lower spine, hands, and knees. In recent studies it has been shown that women can suffer from such symptoms in their hands as early as their twenties and can even cause deformities in your fingers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (also known as RA) is described as an anti-inflammatory disease that affects the soft tissues around your joints and the linings of your joints. This has been categorized as an autoimmune disease and progresses over time.
More advanced types can seriously affect all of your other organs in the body and several joints as well. Due to the severe inflammation, you will find that it typically leads to more damage to the joints.
RA is also known as one of the more crippling types of arthritis. Should you feel you could have this you should seek your doctor for advice on treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a disease that is mainly centered on age. It is basically caused due to the increase of water content and the progressive degeneration of the protein found in your cartilage. Some of the factors that can increase your chances of getting this type are injuries to your joints, problems with being overweight, constantly using and stressing of the joints, and your family history.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Causes of RA continue to be a bit of a mystery for medical experts. There is really no underlying cause for the abnormal autoimmune response that comes with having this disease. There are some theories out there that would suggest the link to the disease could be genetic predispositions.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
If you're suffering from this disease you will probably feel in most in the joints that bear the most weight which would include your knees and hips. You will likely feel pain in the affected joint if you've used them repetitively.
Many patients complain of more stiffness in the mornings which can last up to thirty minutes and joint pain that can get worse throughout the day. Your joints can swell, have warm feelings, and even become stiff.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA will target your smaller joints in your hands, feet, and wrists. Patients find that their stiffness is worsened after having a rest typically first thing in the morning. The stiffness can last about thirty minutes or more. Most complain that they are most affected in their knuckles and wrists.
As you can see there are lots of differences that make these two most common types of arthritis stand out. If you feel that you have any of the above symptoms you may wish to speak with your doctor to find out what treatments and/or natural remedies are available to ease your pain.
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