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Differentiating Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 17, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

While there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, two of them (rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) are considered common and capture most of the headlines, attention, and even research dollars. While about 1.3 million people in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis, nearly 10 times as many have osteoarthritis. It's important to learn how rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are similar and how they are different. Let's compare.

Screening Quizzes

Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity. Do you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz
Osteoarthritis is typically seen as a primary disease in older people. Among younger adults, there are no clear causes but injury, occupation, excess weight, and genetics are among the factors which cause the cartilage of a joint to wear away. Do you have symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, don't ignore them -- see a doctor.

How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
If you are experiencing osteoarthritis symptoms, see a doctor. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Explained With Pictures

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Explained With Pictures
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis which affects the joints and may affect other parts of the body. Pictures help explain rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis: Explained With Pictures
Osteoarthritis is most common among adults over 65 years old but people of any age can develop the disease. Learn more as osteoarthritis is explained with pictures.

Fast Facts

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Fast Facts
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, as well as an inflammatory type of arthritis. Joint pain, joint deformity, and disability can result from rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more fast facts.

Osteoarthritis - Fast Facts
Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease, DJD, or wear-and-tear arthritis, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones of joints. Learn more fast facts.

What You Should Know

10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Did you know rheumatoid arthritis affects twice as many many women as men? That's just one of the important facts you should know about rheumatoid arthritis.

10 Things You Should Know About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. There are about 10 basic facts you should know about osteoarthritis.

Guides to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. In our 5-part guide, learn about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Guide To Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Comprehensive guide to the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoarthritis.

Test Your Knowledge of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Experts believe rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by a malfunction in the immune system. The cause of the malfunction is unknown. How much do you know about rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Even though osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, it's still misunderstood. How much do you know about osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis - Which Is It?
With rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, there are specific symptoms and distinguishing characteristics which determine the diagnosis and course of treatment. Do you know the difference - what distinguishes one from the other?

Bottom Line

There is even more to learn about these two types of arthritis. Find more information at:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis

Related Video
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee

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