Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis: Which is it?

Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are specific symptoms and distinguishing characteristics which determine the diagnosis and course of treatment.

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease, DJD, or wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. When there is cartilage loss, a joint can become bone-on-bone, which is very painful for the patient. Osteoarthritis predominantly affects the joints, unlike other types of arthritis which also have systemic effects.

• Guide to Osteoarthritis
• Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Osteoarthritis
• Test Your Knowledge: Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is also classified as an autoimmune disease (immune cells attack the body's own healthy tissues). The joints are primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but there can be systemic effects (i.e. organs) as well. Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity.

• Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Test Your Knowledge: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Do you know the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? Take our quiz Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis: Which is it?

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