The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints. It may begin any time in life.
Just so, can osteoarthritis be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be mistaken for each other because both are characterized by swelling and inflammation. However, rheumatoid arthritis is different because in this condition, the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This can happen suddenly and cause severe inflammation.
Correspondingly, what are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis?
The four stages of osteoarthritis are:
- Stage 1 – Minor. Minor wear-and-tear in the joints. Little to no pain in the affected area.
- Stage 2 – Mild. More noticeable bone spurs. …
- Stage 3 – Moderate. Cartilage in the affected area begins to erode. …
- Stage 4 – Severe. The patient is in a lot of pain.
What is osteoarthritis pain like?
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and sometimes stiffness in the affected joints. The pain tends to be worse when you move the joint or at the end of the day. Your joints may feel stiff after rest, but this usually wears off fairly quickly once you get moving. Symptoms may vary for no obvious reason.
When should you see a rheumatologist for osteoarthritis?
1 As the patient, you may want to a rheumatologist if: Your pain is unrelenting. Your symptoms are persistent or worsening despite treatment. Your healthcare provider is unable to diagnose the underlying cause.
Which is worse — rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis?
Two of the most common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). OA is more common than RA. Both involve inflammation in the joints, but RA causes much more inflammation.