Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's the Difference?

Both cause joint pain, but they are very different diseases. Our orthopedist breaks down the key distinctions.

While both cause joint pain, Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are fundamentally different. OA is a "wear and tear" disease where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It often affects larger, weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. RA, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling. RA is systemic, meaning it can affect the whole body, and often presents symmetrically (in both knees, for example). Diagnosis involves physical exams, imaging, and specific blood tests. Treatment is very different for each, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial.