The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have distinct differences. Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly women and is caused by the wear, degeneration, and rupture of joint cartilage, leading to swelling and pain due to friction during joint movement. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacterial infections leading to the proliferation of synovium in the joints, causing swelling and pain. Over time, this condition can damage the joint's cartilage and meniscus, severely affecting joint mobility. The treatments for these two diseases are different. Osteoarthritis can be alleviated through rest, oral medication, and physical therapy to ease local pain. If these methods are ineffective after more than six months, surgical treatment may be necessary, mainly total knee replacement. However, the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis primarily relies on medication to relieve local pain by removing rheumatism. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
47sec home-news-image

Do you need to take X-rays for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis requires imaging, especially of the affected joints. It is typically necessary to do this routinely. The main purpose is to check for any bone damage, primarily to differentiate it from rheumatoid arthritis. Because rheumatoid arthritis generally does not leave joint deformities, while rheumatoid arthritis, if not treated properly, can lead to bone destruction and in severe cases, joint fusion. In addition to imaging, rheumatoid arthritis also requires complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, anti-streptolysin O, and echocardiography among other tests to comprehensively assess the condition and determine the treatment plan.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
1min 28sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
59sec home-news-image

How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly consist of three major categories. The first category is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly including non-steroidal analgesics such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets, and small doses of corticosteroids can also be used. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most important treatment is the choice of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. After using these medications, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine tests and liver and kidney functions to check for possible side effects of the drugs. If the effects of the above oral medications are not satisfactory, the application of biologics can also be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
58sec home-news-image

Can people with rheumatoid arthritis donate blood?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis. It belongs to auto-immune diseases and is not an infectious disease; the cause of which is currently unclear. There is also considerable individual variation in its clinical manifestations. Because it is an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured. This relates to whether or not one can donate blood: firstly, blood donors must not have any infectious diseases. Secondly, since this disease cannot be cured and patients often need to take regular doses of medications such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, there will be a certain concentration of these drugs in the body. If the condition allows and there are no infectious diseases, blood donation may be appropriately considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
50sec home-news-image

Rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic tests

The diagnostic tests for rheumatoid arthritis include blood tests and X-ray examinations. Blood tests include a complete blood count, inflammatory markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and screening for various antibodies such as rheumatoid factor, anti-O, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies. Additionally, if there is significant pain in the hand joints, an X-ray of the hand joints can be taken. The X-ray can show whether there is any destruction of bone, osteoporosis, or other manifestations of rheumatoid disease. Based on these tests, it is generally possible to diagnose the specific type of rheumatoid disease.