The difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Rheumatic arthritis is a reactive joint pain that occurs after a streptococcal infection. In addition to joint pain, common symptoms include mitral valve stenosis in some patients, skin erythema, and some patients may also exhibit symptoms such as chorea. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often show symmetrical swelling and pain in the joints of both hands. Blood tests reveal significantly elevated levels of rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and AK antibodies. Inflammatory indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein also tend to be significantly elevated. The main difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that rheumatic arthritis can involve cardiac and skin pathologies, while rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as joint-related pathologies.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly fall into three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory analgesics, which include non-steroidal analgesic drugs such as slow-release diclofenac sodium. For patients with especially high inflammatory indicators, low-dose corticosteroids may also be considered. The second category of drugs includes slow-acting drugs commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, which are immunosuppressants. If the patient does not respond well to non-steroidal analgesic drugs or immunosuppressants, biological agents can be considered as a treatment option. Common biological agents include tumor necrosis factor antagonists. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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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.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How long does it take to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The symptoms of rheumatic arthritis, such as joint swelling and pain, generally improve on their own within about two weeks, with the longest duration not exceeding one month. However, since rheumatic arthritis is triggered by a Streptococcus infection, if the Streptococcus infection is not actively controlled, it is easy for the arthritis to relapse after the joint pain has improved. Therefore, for patients with rheumatic arthritis, it is essential to treat the Streptococcus infection early. Treatment with second-generation cephalosporin antibiotics for 10-14 days is recommended, followed by regular long-acting benzathine penicillin treatment at outpatient clinics to achieve a complete cure of rheumatic arthritis. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis affected areas

Clinically, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as rheumatic fever. It primarily affects the large peripheral joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle joints, with these being the main areas of affliction. The pain often migrates and has a certain self-limiting nature, generally improving on its own in about two weeks. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the heart, with some patients experiencing palpitations and shortness of breath after activity, as well as discomfort in the precordial area. Rheumatoid arthritis may also present with symptoms like ring-shaped erythema on the skin. These are the common sites of affliction for rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis primarily relies on blood tests, radiological examinations, and the patient's own symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as internal rheumatoid arthritis. For a definitive diagnosis: Firstly, the patient must exhibit symmetrical swelling and pain in the joints of both hands, including the small joints. Further screening through blood tests shows elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein, which are two inflammatory markers. Additionally, the presence of rheumatoid factors, anti-CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies being positive also play a role. Simultaneously, if radiological imaging suggests joint space narrowing and bone damage, this further supports the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.