WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

There are over a hundred arthritic diseases, each with their own particular characteristics. Read on to learn the difference between the two most common arthritic diseases among Canadians— osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

IS OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) MORE COMMON THAN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)?

Of all the arthritic diseases, OA is the most common. It is estimated that over 5 million Canadians, 80% of them over the age of 75, are afflicted with the disease. OA affects men and women alike.

By comparison, RA affects only 1% of Canadians (approximately 300,000 people), primarily women (two women for every man).

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)?

Causes and symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA leads to the deterioration of cartilage and the bone it protects. Cartilage is a protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones. Normally, the body is able to repair cartilage damage, but in people with OA, this process is flawed.

Contrary to one long-held belief, OA is not caused by aging. Rather, it stems from abnormal prolonged pressure on a joint, for example due to repetitive use or obesity. Other factors can also come into play, including heredity, gender, age, or a job that requires repetitive movements.
Causes and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is an auto-immune disease, i.e., one in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cartilage covering the joints, leading to inflammation and joint damage. Various factors increase the risk of RA, notably genetic predisposition, smoking, and certain infections that attack the joints. Over time, if the disease is left untreated, more and more joints will be affected.

The following table sets out the main differences between OA and RA.

Characteristic Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis
Joints most commonly affected Knees, hips, hands, spine, or any joint subjected to sustained use Ankles, elbows, fingers, shoulders, knees, hips, neck, feet, wrists
Symmetrical affliction Not necessarily (e.g., may be left knee only) Usually (e.g., both knees)
Symptoms
  • Joint stiffness and pain that worsens with effort
  • Brief morning stiffness (less than 30 min.)
  • Cracking or clicking when the joint is used
  • Loss of range of movement
  • Occasionally, swelling around the joint
  • Joint stiffness and pain that worsens with rest and lessens when active
  • Prolonged morning stiffness (at least one hour)
  • Swelling, redness, or feeling of heat in affected joints
  • Difficulty moving affected joints
  • Fatigue
  • Occasionally, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite
  • Lumps that form beneath the skin (especially elbows, hands, and feet)
Disease progression Limited to affected joints Inflammation can affect other organs, including nerves, eyes, skin, lungs, and heart

 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)?

OA and RA are both chronic diseases. While there is no cure for either, it is possible to take various steps, both pharmacological and other, to relieve symptoms and continue leading an active life.

Osteoarthritis (OA) treatment

OA treatment aims primarily to relieve pain and improve the person’s day-to-day ability to function. For the moment, there is no treatment that can improve the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue.

Treatment Complementary actions
  • Medication to relieve pain (usually acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Severe cases: replacement of affected joint with a prosthesis (knee, hip)
  • Weight management, if OA is affecting leg joints
  • Physical activity, such as yoga or Tai Chi, to help strengthen muscles around the affected joints
  • Heat therapy to relieve joint pain or stiffness
  • Cold therapy to relieve swelling
  • Relaxation techniques and meditation to manage pain better

 

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment

 aims to maintain the person’s autonomy by slowing the progress of the disease and relieving pain.

Treatment Complementary actions
  • Medication to slow the progress of the disease (for example methotrexate injection or injectable biologic agent)
  • Medication to relieve pain and swelling (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Managing activities to avoid fatigue
  • Use of assistive devices to facilitate daily tasks
  • Physical activity such as yoga or Tai Chi, to help strengthen muscles around the affected joints
  • Heat therapy to relieve joint pain or stiffness
  • Cold therapy to relieve swelling
  • Relaxation techniques and meditation to manage pain better

WHAT CAN MY PHARMACIST DO?

If you suffer from an arthritic disease, be it OA or RA, your pharmacist is a valuable ally who can help optimize your medication therapy and that improve your quality of life. If you have any questions about your treatment, ask your pharmacist.