Outline: Differences Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
I. Location and Mechanism
- Osteoarthritis: Affects specific joints, occurs due to wear and tear of cartilage
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Affects multiple joints, a systemic autoimmune disease involving inflammation of the joint lining
II. Age of Onset
- Osteoarthritis: Typically develops in older adults (age 50+)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can occur at any age, but often begins between ages 30-50
III. Pattern of Joint Involvement
- Osteoarthritis: Affects weight-bearing joints (e.g., knees, hips, spine)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Initially involves small joints (e.g., hands, feet), can eventually spread to larger joints
IV. Symptoms
- Osteoarthritis: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, fever, and joint deformities
V. Autoimmunity
- Osteoarthritis: Not an autoimmune disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease, characterized by the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies
VI. Treatment
- Osteoarthritis: Focuses on pain relief and improving joint function (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Aims to suppress the immune response, slow disease progression, and prevent joint damage (e.g., disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, corticosteroids)