Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, bones, muscles and other vital organs that include heart, lungs, eyes etc

1. Rheumatoid
Arthritis
vs
Osteoarthritis
What’s the
difference?

2. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that
wear and tear away the cartilage causing intense
pain and damage to the joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis is chronic autoimmune
systemic inflammatory disease that affects the
joints, bones, muscles and other vital organs that
include heart, lungs, eyes etc

3. Characteristics Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis
Type of disease Autoimmune disease Degenerative disease
Main cause Synovial inflammation Cartilage degeneration
Age affected Young age
(25 to 50 years and can affect too)
Old age
(after 40 years)
Commonly affected
areas
Small joints
(such as fingers, wrist, ankle)
Weight bearing joints
(such as hip, knee, spine)
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis - Overview

4. Inflammation of joints
Frequent fatigue
Stiffness
Ulnar deviation
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Muscle atrophy
Swelling of the knuckles
Synovial thickness
Depression

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

6. Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Environmental factors such as
infection with certain viruses and
bacteria
● Genetic factor
● Female reproductive hormones
● Obesity
● Family history
Osteoarthritis
● Wear and tear associated with
aging or injury
● Injuries to the joints
● Obesity
● Heredity
● Overuse of the joints from sports
Causes & Risk factors

7. 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
Diagnosis

8. 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
Treatment

9. 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
Conclusion