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The basics
Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as “wear-and-tear”
arthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage
between joints. This can cause stiffness and pain, mak-
ing it difficult to use the affected joint. Osteoarthritis
occurs most often in knees, hips and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an
inflammatory, autoimmune
disease in which the immune
system attacks the body’s tis-
sues. As a result of the attack,
fluid builds up in the joints,
causing pain and inflammation
that is systemic, meaning it can
occur throughout the body.
“Basically, osteoarthritis is
bone rubbing on bone, whereas rheumatoid arthritis
is more of a disease process, and, rather than those
bones rubbing together, they actually erode,” said
Hussein Turki, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Ala-
bama Orthopaedic Specialists.
Age groups
Approximately 27 million Americans have osteoar-
thritis. It typically appears after age 45. Men under
age 55 are more likely to have osteoarthritis than
women in the same age range. After age 55, however,
women are more commonly affected.
Approximately 1.3 million Americans have rheuma-
toid arthritis. Nearly three times as many women than
men have this disease. In women, rheumatoid arthritis
most commonly begins between age 30 and 60. It often
occurs later in life for men. However, children, teens and
people in their 20s can get rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms
Joints affected by osteoarthritis ache or become pain-
ful or stiff, usually first thing in the morning and after
repetitive use. That ache can make it difficult to do
daily activities, including performing well at your job,
playing sports or even getting around with ease.
With rheumatoid arthritis, affected joints may feel
warm to the touch and be inflamed, swollen and
painful. Because the inflammation is systemic, you’re
likely to feel fatigued. You may become anemic, lose
your appetite and run a low-grade fever.
Causes
Your chance of developing osteoarthritis increases
with age—a result of a lifetime of joint use. Another
well-established factor is increased body weight, which
adds stress to lower-body joints, such as your knees. For
every pound you gain, you add 4 pounds of pressure
on your knees and six times the pressure on your hips.
Athletes and people whose jobs require repetitive mo-
tion have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but
most scientists agree that a combination of genetic
and environmental factors is responsible. Researchers
have identified genetic markers that cause a tenfold
greater probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Current research also suggests that infectious agents,
such as bacteria or viruses, may trigger the disease in
someone with a genetic propensity for it.
Diagnosis
To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor will ask about
your symptoms and conduct a physical exam, paying
special attention to your joints and how they move.
Traditional diagnosis requires loss of cartilage and
persistent joint pain and stiffness. Researchers are
Arthritis
What’s your type?
ARTHRITIS IS THE LEADING CAUSE
of disability in the United States. And although
its two most common forms—osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis—both cause joint
inflammation and pain, there are many differences between them.
Joint venture
Go to
. Under “e-Health
Resources,” select “Health Library.”
Type “arthritis” into the search box.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AFFECTS 1.3 MILLION PEOPLE
OSTEOARTHRITIS AFFECTS 27 MILLION PEOPLE
Hussein Turki, MD