OA and RA: Understanding Two Common Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is recognized as the most crippling or disabling form of arthritis. How do OA and RA differ? What causes OA and RA? What symptoms point to OA or RA? How is OA and RA diagnosed? How is OA and RA treated? Read more about the significant differences between the two arthritic conditions in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis - What's the Difference?

Osteoarthritis -- also referred to as degenerative joint disease, DJD, or wear-and-tear arthritis -- is the most prevalent joint disease among middle age and older adults. OA affects over 21 million people in the United States. OA occurs more frequently in males before age 45 and more frequently in females after age 55. All races in the U.S. appear to be affected equally by OA. According to the American College of Rheumatology, 70% of people over the age of 70 have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. OA predominantly affects the joints, unlike other types of arthritis which also have systemic effects.

• Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Osteoarthritis
• Test Your Knowledge: Osteoarthritis
• 10 Things You Should Know About Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. RA is also classified as an autoimmune disease. The joints are primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but there can be systemic effects (i.e., organs) as well. Over 2 million people in the U.S. and about 1 to 2% of the world's population are affected by RA. About 75% of RA patients are women. Men, women, and even children can develop RA, though. Typically, disease onset for rheumatoid arthritis occurs between 30 and 60 years of age. Early diagnosis of RA and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Fast Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Test Your Knowledge: Rheumatoid Arthritis
• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

More Related Resources:

• Quiz: Is it Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• Early Osteoarthritis Symptoms: Pain in a Single Joint
• Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: Predicting the Risk
• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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