Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Main Difference

The main difference between osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis is that in osteoarthritis smooth cartilage joint surface breaks down whereas in Rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane of joint breaks down.

Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Comparison Chart

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the bones wears away, and bones rub against other bones ultimately leads to joint damage and cause pain whereas Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of joints, swelling, and pain around the joints and other body organs. It usually attacks the hands and feet first and then any other bone. Osteoarthritis is the common chronic disease of the joints, which affect almost 27 million Americans, whereas Rheumatoid arthritis is the third common disease of arthritis, which affects almost 1.3 million Americans. In osteoarthritis, risk factors are older age, joint injuries, bone deformities, gender, genetic factors, and the activities in which people give repetitive stress on the particular joint while in Rheumatoid arthritis; risk factors are gender, environmental factors, obesity, and smoking.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the common disease of joints which affects the protective cartilage of the bones. Although it can damage any joint of the body commonly, it affects hands, knees, spine, and hip. It develops slowly but becomes worsen with time. Its underlying process cannot be reversed, but its symptoms can be easily managed. An active and healthy lifestyle, ideal body weight, and other treatments can slow the progression of osteoarthritis. The cartilage, which is a firm, rubbery material, covers the end of each bone in the normal joint. It performs as a cushion between bones and provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion. In osteoarthritis, cartilage breaks down and causes a problem in moving joints of the bones. This condition becomes worse with time, and bone breaks down, and growth occurs, which is called spurs. An inflammatory process also starts in such cartilage in which cytokines and enzymes develop, which causes more damage to the joint. In the final stage, the cartilage wears away, and bones start rubbing with each other and lead to joint destruction. Osteoarthritis is treated with medications such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and other pain-relieving medicines. Some surgical procedures are also recommended. For example, in realigning bones, the surgeon cuts the bone either above or below the knee and then adds or removes a wedge of bone. This procedure shifts body weight away from the worn out part of the knee. Similarly, in joint replacement therapy, the surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with plastic and metal parts.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which affects not only joint but also other body systems, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It starts when the immune system, which usually protects the body from infections caused by virus and bacteria, of the body takes control of the body tissues. In this disease, linings of the joints, synovial membrane, are affected and cause a painful inflammation that leads to bone erosion (loss of bone) and joint deformity after a long time. The synovial membrane makes a fluid-like material which lubricates joints and helps in movement. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes some complications, e.g., osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, dry eyes and mouth, infections, abnormal body composition, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart disease, lung disease, and lymphoma. A severe condition of Rheumatoid arthritis cans results in physical disability. For the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, NSAIDs, steroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic (DMARDs) drugs are used. Biologic agents (adalimumab, abatacept, sarilumab, etc.) are used, which targets the immune system of the body to help reduce the inflammation. In surgical procedures, synovectomy, tendon repair, joint fusion, and total joint replacement are involved. Lifestyle modifications and home remedies can also benefit the patients of Rheumatoid arthritis. Light exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint. Similarly, stress can be reduced by applying heat or cold.