RA & OA? | Arthritis Information

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Excuse me for asking such a silly question, but what is the difference between RA and OA? xHi Jenna,
oa is a wear and tear disease, comes from overuse. ra is a systemic disease. it is more painful. I was diagnosed in 2000 and have already had two joints replaced. good luck to you
Linda

Good question Jenna! Sorry I cant answer it for you tho. I tried to explain it to a friends mom who has OA and she just told me that OA is worse than RA. So now Im looking forward to the answers myself. What is the difference and which one is worse?

[QUOTE=linda1082] Hi Jenna,
oa is a wear and tear disease, comes from overuse. ra is a systemic disease. it is more painful. I was diagnosed in 2000 and have already had two joints replaced. good luck to you
Linda[/RA,humira,celebrex ] having RA can even lead to OA.  I was dx'ed in 2003 with secondary OA.  In my opinion, RA is worse simply because it is systemic for most people. RA especially untreated can lead to serious complications even death.  OA, just causes wear and tear of joints and not the systemic issues. 

Myself, I have ra and oa with pa.  The wear and tear is apparent in my hands, but like Wayney says, you may be diagnosed with ra or something like pa but you do end up with oa just becasue of the wear and tear of your joints. meme

Here you go.  Jeez, I love Google!

OA IS A CONDITION OF WEAR AND TEAR

  • OA is not an autoimmune disease. It is a condition of wear and tear associated with aging or injury. Your immune system is not affected.
  • OA stiffness tends to get worse with use throughout the day.
  • OA usually occurs as individuals age and in those whose joints have become worn down by excessive use.
  • Generally, OA symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and enlarged joints.
  • OA is associated with asymmetrical (not "matching") swelling in individual joints that are not part of a pair — e.g., one knee and an elbow, instead of both knees.
  • With OA, inflammation generally occurs at the joint closest to your fingernail.
  • OA tends to cause pain and swelling in bigger joints such as the hips and knees.
  • OA is much more common than RA. In the United States alone, an estimated 20 million people have osteoarthritis, and approximately 2.1 million people have RA.

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    RA IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a condition of wear and tear. It is a disease in which your own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation that damages your joints.
  • RA usually causes pain or stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or after long rest and lack of activity.
  • RA can occur at any age. It often begins in middle age and tends to get worse over time.
  • RA is associated with symmetrical swelling (e.g., both hands, both elbows, etc.)
  • Most typically, RA symptoms include joint pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness of the joints; prolonged morning stiffness; and less range of movement. Some people also experience fever, weight loss, fatigue, and/or anemia.
  • With RA, inflammation generally occurs in the knuckles and at the joints closest to your hands, nearer the base of your fingers.
  • RA tends to cause swelling and pain in smaller joints such as the hands and ankles.
    • Sara38555.6928703704THANKS SARA; EXCELLENT INFO!!Nice one Sara. Google is great! Well done on the researching!
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