What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hands?

The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints. It may begin any time in life.

Which is worse rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis?

OA is more common than RA. Both involve inflammation in the joints, but RA causes much more inflammation. Until recently, experts believed that inflammation was not a feature of OA, and researchers are still investigating the role that it plays in the illness — whether it is a cause or a result of the condition.

Can an xray show the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

X-rays of affected joints can show joint damage associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthrocentesis, which involves removal and analysis of joint fluid, can evaluate for either condition, with the results differentiating which type of arthritis you have.

Which are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that distinguish it from osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis tends to develop gradually over several years, as the joint cartilage wears away. Eventually the bones of your joints rub against each other. In contrast, the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis can develop and worsen over several weeks or a few months.

What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis?

The most obvious difference between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis is that osteoporosis affects the bones, whereas rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints. Bones are made up of a combination of collagen fibers and minerals such as calcium.

What are the long term effects of rheumatoid arthritis?

Long-term Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Aside from the swelling and the pain it brings to the joint, it can also affect other body parts like the blood, nerves, eyes, heart, skin and even the heart. This effect of Rheumatoid Arthritis makes the actual illness worse. Some people have this disease for only a few months or a year or two.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and Ra?

Osteoarthritis is far more common—and generally less debilitating—than rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas RA typically affects the cervical spine, OA may affect all regions of the spine—cervical, thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low back). Unlike RA, osteoarthritis is not really a disease.

Is rheumatic athritis a dangerous kind of arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of hardened and blocked arteries, as well as inflammation of the sac that encloses your heart. Lung disease. People with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of inflammation and scarring of the lung tissues, which can lead to progressive shortness of breath.