Arthritis is a blanket term used to describe joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by inflammation in the joints. There are many types of arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding the differences between these two conditions is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and choosing an effective treatment plan.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in adults over the age of 50. It happens when cartilage, which acts as a cushion between bones in your joints, begins to break down. This can cause friction between bones and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. OA can happen in any joint but commonly affects hands, hips, knees, spine, or feet.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation throughout your body but mainly affects your joints. Unlike osteoarthritis where only one joint may be affected at a time, RA usually affects multiple joints at once and can cause pain on both sides of your body. RA also has other effects such as fatigue, fevers, dry eyes/mouths, rashes/lumps under skin or nodules on fingers/toes. If left untreated it can cause deformities in the affected joints and even lead to disability.
Arthritis may seem like a daunting condition but understanding the differences between OA and RA can help you get an accurate diagnosis so you can choose a treatment plan that works best for you. While there is no cure for either type of arthritis yet, treatments such as physical therapy, natural supplements or medications may help reduce pain and improve mobility so you can continue living life to its fullest! Talk to your healthcare provider today if you think you may have symptoms of either condition so they can create a personalized treatment plan just for you!
Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.
Get my free guide "3 ways to reduce inflammation" !
Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
0 Comments