Question

Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis

similarities

differences

treatment

Patient teaching

Answer 1

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS VS OSTEOARTHRITIS :

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS : It is a chronic autoimmune disease which is caused by the inflammation of the tissues which lines the joints.

OSTEOARTHRITIS : It is a chronic joint disorder which is characterized by the inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage of the joints.

SIMILARITIES:

• The similarities between Rheumatoid Arthritis ( RO ) and Osteo Arthritis ( OA ) is both causes the inflammation , pain and also the impairment of the functions of the joints.

DIFFERENCES:

• The main difference between the RA and OA is , mainly OA is result by the wear of the smooth cartilages but the RA formed by the mistaken of the immune system which attacks the own body without attacking the intruders.
• The heberden's nodes are present in OA and it is absent in the RA.
• The stiffness in RA will be more worse in the resting time but the stiffness in OA will more worse during the efforts or activity.
• The C reactive proteins and ESR are increased in the RA and there will be a normal range of ESR and C reactive proteins in OA.
• OA only affects the specific joints but RA affects multiple joints in the body.
• RA is seen over the age of 20 and the etiology is not well known but OA is seen over the age of 40 by the long term pressure seen over the large joints.

TREATMENTS:

• The treatment plans are mostly similar to rheumatoid and osteo arthritis.
• NSAIDs are given to treat the intense pain which is caused by the RA and OA to the joints.
• RA is treated by the prescribing the medications which helps to limit or stop the autoimmune inflammation.
• Treatment mainly focus to reduce the damage of the joints and improves the function of the joint .
• Corticosteroids and Anti inflammatory medications are commonly used to treat both rheumatoid arthritis and osteo arthritis.

PATIENT EDUCATION:

• The patient education for RA and OA must include the changing in the health care environment.
• Patient education in arthritis is more important to have a improved outcomes.
• Self management program and arthritis relief therapy should be educated for the patient.
• Maintaining the healthy weight , regular exercise and quitting of smoking or any habits should also be educated for the patient to have a better results and outcome.