[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/arthritis-types-treatment\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/arthritis-types-treatment\/","headline":"The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis","name":"The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis","description":"Learn the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and how best to treat them.","datePublished":"2017-10-24","dateModified":"2019-11-06","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/082017BLG_ARTHRITISPAINHANDS.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/082017BLG_ARTHRITISPAINHANDS.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/arthritis-types-treatment\/","about":["Orthopaedics"],"wordCount":507,"keywords":["arthritis","bone health","joint health","joint pain","osteoarthritis","rheumatoid arthritis","treatment options"],"articleBody":"Arthritis is a painful disease caused by joint damage or inflammation.Joints connect your bones, allowing your body to move and bend. When there’s damage to the cartilage surrounding a joint, everyday movements can be painful.For more information about osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, visit UPMC.com\/Ortho, or call 1-866-987-ORTHO (6784) to make an appointment.Learn the difference between the two major types of arthritis and how best to treat them.Types of ArthritisOsteoarthritis\u00a0and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u00a0are the two main types of arthritis. Both conditions have similar symptoms, all of which affect your joints. Shared symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis include:PainStiffnessRedness of the skinSwellingDecreased range of motionThese symptoms make it difficult to take part in everyday activities like walking, lifting, bending, and even sitting.Underlying Causes of ArthritisThe main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the underlying cause behind the joint pain symptoms.Osteoarthritis: Causes and Risk FactorsOsteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, usually affects the neck, lower back, hips, knees, feet, and fingers.A breakdown of cartilage, the spongy material that cushions your joints, typically causes osteoarthritis. Risk factors include:Aging:\u00a0The risk of osteoarthritis increases with ageInjury:\u00a0Injuries to your joints, often due to sports, may increase your risk of osteoarthritisGenetics:\u00a0You have a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis if it runs in your familyBeing overweight:\u00a0Increased weight puts added stress on weight-bearing jointsRheumatoid Arthritis: Causes and Risk FactorsRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, often in the joints.Over time, it can also damage cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and people of advanced age. This type of arthritis usually affects the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.Arthritis Treatment Options: Physical Therapy, Cortisone Shots, and MoreIf you believe you have arthritis, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and possibly order x-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging tests.Once you have a diagnosis, treatment will depend on the specific type of arthritis you have, the severity of your pain, and where your arthritis is located. The goals of treatment, however, are the same \u2014 to control pain, slow the progression of the condition, and maintain your ability to move and function.While doctors cannot reverse the effects of arthritis, in some cases they can control them.Treatment options for people with osteoarthritis may include:Taking nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to treat inflammation and painReceiving physical therapy or occupational therapyReceiving injections of cortisone or hyaluronic acid to provide lubrication to the jointsUndergoing joint replacement surgeryFor people\u00a0with\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis, treatment may include:Taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, for pain and inflammationTaking steroid medications to reduce inflammationTaking disease-modifying, antirheumatic drugs to slow the progression of the diseaseUndergoing surgery to remove the inflamed membrane, repair damaged tendons, or replace joints"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/arthritis-types-treatment\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]