In: Nursing
Patient presents to the clinic with a four-month history of generalized joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially in her hands. She states that these symptoms have made it difficult to grasp objects and has made caring for her 6 and 4-year-old children problematic. Physical exam remarkable for bilateral ulnar deviation of her hands as well as soft, boggy proximal interphalangeal joints. The metatarsals of both of her feet also exhibited swelling and warmth. .why patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibit these symptoms and how does it differ from osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflamatory disorder that effects the joints in the body.RA leads to destruction of connective tissue and synovial membrane within the joints. This cause dislocation and permanent deformity of the joint.
Osteo arthritis
Osteo arthritis is the progressive degeneration of the joints as a result of wear and tear. Osteo arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the end of bone wears down overtime. It often affects the weight bearing joints.
Differences