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May 24, 2013
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Comparing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis


Topic Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are different types of arthritis. Although they share some similar characteristics, each has different symptoms and requires different treatment. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about one-tenth as many people as osteoarthritis. 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.

Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Characteristic Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis
Age at which the condition startsIt may begin any time in life.It usually begins later in life.
Speed of onset Relatively rapid, over weeks to months Slow, over years
Joint symptomsJoints are painful, swollen, and stiff.Joints ache and may be tender but have little or no swelling.
Pattern of joints that are affectedIt often affects small and large joints on both sides of the body (symmetrical), such as both hands, both wrists or elbows, or the balls of both feet.Symptoms often begin on one side of the body and may spread to the other side. Symptoms begin gradually and are often limited to one set of joints, usually the finger joints closest to the fingernails or the thumbs, large weight-bearing joints (hips, knees), or the spine.
Duration of morning stiffnessMorning stiffness lasts longer than 1 hour.Morning stiffness lasts less than 1 hour; returns at the end of the day or after periods of activity.
Presence of symptoms affecting the whole body (systemic)Frequent fatigue and a general feeling of being ill are present.Whole-body symptoms are not present.

For more information, see the topics Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

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