Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Key Differences

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/05/31 - Updated: 2025/03/20
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: Explore the key differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including causes, symptoms, and treatments for better understanding.

Why it matters: This article provides a comprehensive comparison between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, two common joint conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. It offers valuable insights into the distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments for each type of arthritis, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those seeking to understand their joint pain better. The clear explanations of the differences in onset, affected areas, and types of stiffness associated with each condition make this information accessible and practical for readers - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the joints. Many different kinds of arthritis exist, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have got some similarities - as well as differences. Their exact causes are not known.

Main Item

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans (Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/osteoarthritis/).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the third most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 1.3 million Americans (American College of Rheumatology. Prevalence statistics. rheumatology.org/Learning-Center/Statistics/Prevalence-Statistics).

While osteoarthritis often accompanies aging, rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any age group and is also found in children and adults.

• Osteoarthritis can be commonly found in people around the age group of 60. The intensity of pain and degree of the problem varies according to their lifestyle.
• Rheumatoid arthritis might develop at any age, although there might be a complete lack of pain symptoms during the remission period.

Major Signs of Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

1) Pain is a common characteristic in both forms of arthritis.

Pain is also one of the major distinguishing factors doctors use to diagnose and identify the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the pain might occur in only one joint, for example, in the right knee.

On the other hand, in rheumatoid arthritis, the pain is generally found in the joints on both sides of the body. For example, there might be a pain in both knees.

2) "Wear and tear" of the cartilage cushions is the primary reason for osteoarthritis.

The cartilage cushions act as shock absorbers that prevent the joint's bones from rubbing together. When this cartilage is damaged due to overuse or injury, it causes osteoarthritis and leads to inflammation and swelling in the joints.

In rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and inflammation occur well before any damage occurs in the cartilage cushions. Frequent occurrence of chronic inflammation causes damage to the cartilage and intense pain.

3) Factors that might lead to the occurrence of osteoarthritis are;

• Obesity
• Joint injury
• Overuse of joints
• Heredity

On the other hand, obesity might aggravate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not play any role in developing that condition in the first place.

4) One major difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that osteoarthritis affects only the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis can also affect many other body parts.

5) What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in treatment?

In rheumatoid arthritis, drugs that suppress immune system activity are often prescribed, whereas they are not required in osteoarthritis. However, anti-inflammatory drugs are a common mode of treatment in both forms of arthritis.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.