Rheumatoid arthritis differs from other forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis in a lot of ways. In terms of causes it is regarded as an “autoimmune disease”. It typically happens when your immune system bouts the healthy tissues in your joints by mistake. This immune response could happen because of hereditary as well as ecological factors such as smoking cigarettes. On the other hand, in case of the other varieties of arthritis such as osteoarthritis your protective cartilage wears down over a period of time. This leads the bones to scrape against one another. This wear and tear can happen because of repetitive movements.
Difference in terms of symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis and the likes of osteoarthritis have a number of signs in common. These may be mentioned as below:
It has been seen that in case of rheumatoid arthritis the symptoms arise and then get worse within a very short span of time. At times, this can happen within a few weeks as well. In case of the likes of osteoarthritis this is gradual.
Difference in terms of diagnosis
Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are diagnosed by way of physical examinations. The doctors in these cases also take a look at your medical history. Apart from these, they perform various diagnostic tests as well. It goes without saying that diagnosing these conditions can be rather challenging. This is because the symptoms often tend to overlap. This is especially applicable for the earlier stages of both these ailments. The best way to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis is by way of blood tests because it does leave some imprint on your blood as well.
Difference in terms of treatment
Both rheumatoid arthritis and the likes of osteoarthritis are lingering conditions. As far as rheumatoid arthritis treatment is concerned – and even for osteoarthritis for that matter – it is said that they cannot be cured. This is because till now Western medicine has not been able to come up with anything that can be so effective. This is why such an assertion is being made. Right now, all you get in Western medicine are some treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms. This in turn helps you lead a better life than what may otherwise have been possible.
This is where rheumatoid arthritis natural care can prove to be so very beneficial for the patients of such an ailment.
Conclusion
In terms of outlook it can be said that rheumatoid arthritis is like any and all other forms of arthritis in the sense that it causes pain in your joints and makes them stiff. However, one thing is for sure. If you do not get the right kind of treatment for them they would become worse with the passage of time. The effects of all these different kinds of arthritis in your life can be mild to severe.
