How can I tell if I have Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are two types of arthritis that can cause chronic joint pain. But what is the difference between them? This blog post will explain the key differences between these two common forms of arthritis and how to identify which type you may have. 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down over time, leading to inflammation and pain. The symptoms of OA can vary in intensity, but they typically include stiffness, tenderness, joint swelling, and decreased range of motion in affected joints. Risk factors for this type of arthritis include age, obesity, genetics, previous injuries or fractures, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.  

 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues instead of invading bacteria or viruses. RA affects joints on both sides of the body (symmetrically), unlike OA which usually only affects one side at a time. Symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling around joints, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and numbness or tingling in hands or feet. It can also cause inflammation in other organs such as the lungs and heart if left untreated. Risk factors for RA include age (it’s more common in women than men), family history of autoimmune disorders, smoking cigarettes, and exposure to certain environmental toxins.  

 

How Can I Tell if I Have Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?                                                                                              

The best way to determine whether you have OA or RA is to consult your doctor. They will ask questions about your symptoms and examine your joints for signs of inflammation or damage. Your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms such as infection or Lyme disease. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan to get a better look at any potential damage inside your joints caused by either type of arthritis  . If your doctor suspects that you have RA based on your symptoms and test results they may refer you to a rheumatologist for further evaluation . An experienced rheumatologist can help confirm a diagnosis through specialized tests such as an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test . 

Living with chronic joint pain due to arthritis can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be unmanageable! Knowing the difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is essential so that you can get proper treatment from your doctor right away if needed. If you think that you may have either type of arthritis don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician who can then refer you to a specialist if necessary. With proper guidance it’s possible to manage both types so that you remain active with minimal discomfort!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.

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