The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative joint disease, most commonly occurring in weight-bearing joints and the distal joints of both hands. Therefore, if there is pain in the distal joints of the hands or in joints like the knee, it may be osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and both wrists. It is also important to distinguish that in patients with osteoarthritis, inflammation indicators such as sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and endocrine factors are usually normal. However, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, these indicators, including sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor, are abnormally elevated.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt?

Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis belongs to autoimmune diseases and is a chronic condition. The main symptoms include symmetric pain in multiple joints across the body, accompanied by morning stiffness, which is why joint pain occurs and is the most common symptom. The onset is slow for most people, but some experience an acute onset, with joint mobility issues appearing within a few weeks or days. Therefore, this disease cannot be cured; it can only be managed with medications to control symptoms, delay the deformity of joints, reduce disability rates, and enhance the quality of life, which are the objectives of comprehensive treatment. It is important to avoid exposure to cold and fatigue in daily life, avoid contact with cold water, keep warm, also avoid raw and cold foods, spicy and irritating foods, and eat more light, easy-to-digest, and high-protein foods to boost the immune system.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is divided into general treatment and pharmacological treatment. General treatment mainly involves avoiding overexertion, having a light diet, and not staying up late. Pharmacological treatment is mainly divided into treatment during the acute flare-up phase and the remission phase. The acute phase focuses on anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the first choice, such as etoricoxib, meloxicam, or celecoxib. If the effect is not satisfactory, low-dose corticosteroid therapy may be combined. In the remission phase, slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs are preferred, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, or sulfasalazine. If the slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs are not effective, biologic agents such as tumor necrosis factor antagonists or JAK inhibitors may be combined.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis examinations include blood tests and imaging studies. The blood tests include complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, anti-streptococcal antibodies, ANA, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies. Imaging studies involve X-ray examinations of the hand joints. If the patient has significant increases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, positive CCP and AKA antibodies, and the X-rays show bone destruction, then rheumatoid arthritis can be considered as a diagnosis.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does rheumatoid arthritis cause fever?

Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by swelling and pain in multiple joints, particularly in the wrists or ankles. It also causes morning stiffness, and may be accompanied by fatigue, low fever, muscle soreness, and even weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally gradual for most people, and symptoms can vary significantly from one individual to another. A minority of patients may experience a rapid onset of symptoms, developing joint problems within days or weeks. Therefore, during the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, patients may experience a mild or moderate fever. However, it is important to differentiate whether this fever is due to an infection or the activity of the disease itself. This can be determined through regular blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, and related symptoms.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis-induced joint pain has several distinct characteristics: The first is that it initially affects the small joints of the limbs, typically involving the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles, before spreading to larger joints. It rarely starts in the large joints first. Secondly, the onset is generally symmetrical, meaning it seldom affects just a single limb or joint. Typically, if the disease manifests, it affects both limbs simultaneously. Another characteristic is significant morning stiffness, meaning a feeling of stiffness upon waking up in the morning. Generally, by combining auxiliary tests such as blood tests and imaging, a clear diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made. Once diagnosed, it is advised that patients seek treatment at a reputable hospital in the rheumatology and immunology department or orthopedics, targeting specific treatments and avoiding unlicensed practitioners. Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans start with medications to alleviate symptoms, using immunosuppressants. In severe cases, a small, short-term dose of steroids may be used. Additionally, symptomatic treatment may include topical applications of ointments to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Patients can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs orally to relieve symptoms. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine is also a very effective method, and patients can take specific herbal medicines as symptomatic treatment for rheumatic joint pain, which are also very effective. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not medicate blindly.)