Have you ever experienced that sudden twinge of pain in your joints, making even the simplest tasks feel troublesome? Or perhaps you've noticed a persistent ache that refuses to fade away. It's likely because of two common conditions: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. But what sets them apart?
Dr R A Purnachandra Tejaswi, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with Special Interest in Sports Medicine, Reconstructive Arthroscopy and Joint Preservation Surgery, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
According to data by Arthritis India, RA affects about 0.92% of the adult population in India.
Dr Tejaswi said that RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the body tends to develop antibodies against our cells which cause inflammation and slow destruction. Tests, such as Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) antibodies help identify the type of antibodies and individualise treatment.
OA, on the other hand, is not an autoimmune disorder. It is a form of normal age-related degeneration that the body undergoes. It occurs in people above 60 years of age and involves degeneration of the cartilage of the joints. According to Global Burden of Diseases data, around 23.46 million people in India had OA in 1990, which grew to 62.35 million in 2019.
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How Does It Affect Your Body?
One of the key distinctions between the two conditions lies in their onset. RA typically develops in a symmetrical pattern, affecting both sides of the body simultaneously or similarly. In contrast, OA often develops asymmetrically, affecting one joint or one side of the body more than the other.
How Do Their Symptoms Vary?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is characterised by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that tend to be more pronounced in the mornings and after periods of inactivity. The joints may feel warm to the touch, and individuals may experience fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
Osteoarthritis
Signs and symptoms are local and include vague pain in the affected joints and worsening with weight bearing. Although all the joints can be affected, the most common ones are knees, hips, and shoulders decreasing the ordering of frequency. Unlike RA, osteoarthritis symptoms tend to improve with rest.
How Does The Symptoms Progress
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is a chronic condition that can lead to joint deformity and functional disability if not managed effectively. It has a more unpredictable course and can affect various organs, potentially causing systemic complications.
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Osteoarthritis
In the early stages, OA can be managed with lifestyle modifications like weight loss, exercise, and avoiding certain positions like squatting, stairs, etc. Regenerative therapies like Platelet Rich Plasma injections and BMAC injections are an option in the early stages to delay the progression.
Difference Between The Treatment
The treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis differ due to their distinct underlying mechanisms.
Osteoarthritis
Pharmaceuticals include acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) mainly during episodes of exacerbation. In cases of advanced osteoarthritis, one needs to undergo replacement of the affected joints to improve quality of life and relieve pain. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide temporary relief. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, exercise, and physical therapy play a crucial role in managing osteoarthritis symptoms and maintaining joint health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA management focuses on controlling inflammation and modifying the immune response. Treatment includes the use of Disease Modifying Agent Drugs to suppress the disease process and NSAIDS for symptomatic relief. Advanced drugs, such as biologicals, are available for advanced diseases when multiple organ systems are involved.
Bottomline
Dr Tejaswi concluded that early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis are critical to preventing additional joint deterioration and maximising functional abilities. However, if the joints are destroyed as a result of disease progression, they must be replaced.
