The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have distinct differences. Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly women and is caused by the wear, degeneration, and rupture of joint cartilage, leading to swelling and pain due to friction during joint movement. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacterial infections leading to the proliferation of synovium in the joints, causing swelling and pain. Over time, this condition can damage the joint's cartilage and meniscus, severely affecting joint mobility. The treatments for these two diseases are different. Osteoarthritis can be alleviated through rest, oral medication, and physical therapy to ease local pain. If these methods are ineffective after more than six months, surgical treatment may be necessary, mainly total knee replacement. However, the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis primarily relies on medication to relieve local pain by removing rheumatism. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Is the C-reactive protein high in rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, during the acute flare-up phase, can show an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP). After the condition has eased, there can be a significant decrease in CRP, which can initially be used to judge the recovery of the condition. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat associated with infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Clinically, it primarily presents as migratory pain in the large joints of the limbs and generally does not cause joint deformities; this is an important marker for differentiating it from rheumatoid arthritis. In the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is mainly symptomatic, predominantly using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as etoricoxib or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules to alleviate symptoms.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
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What should I do if rheumatoid arthritis deforms the knee joint?

Rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint deformity are serious conditions that may require joint replacement surgery. For less serious cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or celecoxib, are generally used to treat and alleviate symptoms. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with streptococcal infections. Clinically, joint deformities are rare, so if joint deformity occurs, it is important to investigate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-mediated erosive arthritis that can lead to bone destruction and joint deformity, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies can be tested for diagnostic differentiation.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What is the best medicine to take for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical manifestation of rheumatic fever, which is a delayed sequelae that occurs after infection with streptococci. The most common symptoms include fever, arthritis, rheumatic heart disease, subcutaneous nodules, or marginal erythema. It mainly occurs in adolescents and is most commonly triggered by cold weather and damp environments. In cases showing joint symptoms, the first choice of medication is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, it is crucial to actively treat the primary disease, which means eliminating the causative factor by eradicating the streptococcal infection. Eradication of the streptococcal infection involves the use of long-acting penicillin, and it is necessary to complete the treatment course of two weeks. Moreover, appropriate rest during the acute phase and avoiding exertion is needed. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatic arthritis, also known as rheumatic fever, primarily develops due to infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in the throat area, which triggers recurrent episodes of systemic connective tissue inflammation. It mainly affects the joints, heart, skin, and subcutaneous tissues, and occasionally the central nervous system can be involved, as well as significant internal organs such as the lungs and kidneys. Clinically, it often presents primarily with arthritis and carditis, and may be accompanied by fever, rash, subcutaneous nodules, and chorea. This disease has a certain degree of self-limitation, and acute episodes often predominantly feature joint pain.

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Rheumatoid arthritis massage techniques

For the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, which is when the joints are significantly swollen and painful, it is not advisable to perform any form of massage. Both massage and intense exercise could potentially worsen the joint swelling and pain. At this time, what is needed is strict bed rest. After the acute phase of the joints eases, then consider some methods of exercise. In managing the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, one can consider using some anti-inflammatory pain relievers. The most commonly used are non-steroidal pain relievers, such as diclofenac sodium, to control joint pain, rather than massaging the joints, as this could only make the condition worse. (Please follow medical advice regarding specific medications.)