The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 16, 2024

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Osteoarthritis refers to the damage of joint cartilage due to degeneration in old age, which can cause symptoms such as joint pain, limited mobility, and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, involves the destruction of joint cartilage solely due to rheumatic diseases, particularly accompanied by abnormal proliferation of the synovium, causing pain and local heating, and resulting in limited joint mobility. Rheumatic diseases feature migrating joint pain, which worsens when exposed to cold. Additionally, diagnostic indicators such as positive rheumatoid factor will show increased levels, thus making it relatively easy to distinguish between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

54sec

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include, first, the presence of swelling and pain in multiple joints, especially characterized and significant in the smaller joints. Second, serological tests show elevated levels of antibodies, commonly rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. If both are elevated, it is most meaningful. Third, the duration of joint swelling and pain should be more than six weeks. Fourth, we must also check some inflammatory markers for joints, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. If these markers are elevated, and the patient has swelling and pain in multiple joints, then we can consider a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

1min 28sec

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Difference between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis is typically osteoarthritis, a chronic inflammation characterized primarily by degenerative changes in joint cartilage, followed by bone proliferation, making it a chronic disease. Early pathological changes include alterations in joint cartilage, such as subchondral bone extrusion, followed by changes in the muscles surrounding the periosteum and joint capsule. Early radiographic examinations can provide a definitive diagnosis. Its symptoms primarily manifest as pain. For rheumatoid arthritis, it generally presents as morning stiffness and joint swelling and pain more severe than in the surrounding area, which can essentially confirm a diagnosis. It usually affects large joints such as the knee, shoulder, or wrist joints, typically presenting as migratory pain. A definitive diagnosis can usually be made by testing for rheumatoid factor, with an anti-O level exceeding 500 units. Additionally, there may be a slight increase in white blood cells, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated C-reactive protein. Examination of the synovial fluid shows increased white blood cells and neutrophils. In such cases, using anti-rheumatic drugs might suffice, but it’s also crucial to ensure rest and local heat application. These two types of arthritis fundamentally differ.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

45sec

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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink alcohol?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid drinking alcohol. Due to joint pain, patients with rheumatoid arthritis inevitably consume anti-inflammatory pain relievers or steroids for pain relief. These anti-inflammatory drugs are already harsh on the stomach, and alcohol is similarly harmful. Consuming both anti-inflammatory pain relievers and alcohol can easily lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Some patients may even develop complications such as gastric ulcers or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to drink alcohol. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning

Rheumatology

51sec

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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis eat millet porridge?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can safely consume millet porridge, as it is highly nutritious and does not affect rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat associated with streptococcal infections, and clinically it mainly presents as migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs. With the widespread use of penicillin in recent years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis has become increasingly low. Nowadays, it is occasionally seen in clinical practice, mainly among patients with repeated streptococcal infections, such as those with recurrent tonsillitis, who may experience episodes of rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, removing the cause can generally achieve clinical cure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and penicillin antibiotics can be used to treat acute episodes.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

48sec

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Foods to Avoid with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should adhere to a light diet and avoid spicy foods, overly nourishing and greasy foods. Specifically, the following foods should be avoided: vegetables such as celery, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and seaweed. In terms of meat, one should reduce consumption of warming foods like lamb, beef, and dog meat. Also, it is advisable to limit intake of high-protein seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber. Regarding fish, preference should be given to freshwater fish, while the consumption of sea fish should be minimized. These are the foods that should be avoided by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.