Many people suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), which occurs as a normal part of aging. It differs from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in several important ways.

The pain of OA is worsened by activity and relieved by rest. There can be a grating sound associated with joint movement. It is caused by a deterioration of the cartilage and can be brought about by trauma, congenital deformity or obesity.

RA on the other hand is due to an inflammatory process that affects the entire body. It’s thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the inflammation causes cartilage damage. Other symptoms of RA include general malaise, fatigue, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Whereas OA affects generally one joint, RA is usually bilateral – ie, occurring on both sides of the body and can cause severe joint deformity. In addition, the pain is worsened after rest and generally affects the small joints such as the fingers.

For more information about OA and RA you can click on the links above.