Advanced Bone & Joint

Osteoarthritis Vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding Different Types of Knee Pain

Arthritis is a joint issue. The knee joint is one of the most affected by arthritis. However, one should know that there are two most common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to understand the impact of each type on the knee. Let’s learn more about osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis so you can better understand how they might affect you.

Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is often called “wear and tear” arthritis because it happens when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down over time. OA becomes much more common with age, due to overuse. A history of injury can also lead to knee osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by an autoimmune disorder. This means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissue in the knee, causing inflammation and pain. Just like osteoarthritis, RA is common in adults but can also affect children.

Etiology and Risk Factors

The causes, or etiologies, of these two types of arthritis are different. Osteoarthritis is mainly linked to aging, previous injuries, and repetitive stress on the knee. Being overweight can also increase the risk because it puts extra pressure on the knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis is less understood but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain infections or diseases may trigger the immune system to attack the knee joint, leading to rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of knee arthritis can help you get a diagnosis and begin treatment sooner.

We compare knee pain, knee stiffness, and knee swelling between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis below:

OA Knee Pain

  • Pain in the knee from osteoarthritis usually worsens with increasing activity and improves with rest.
  • Pain may be sharp during movement and feel like stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  • Localized to the knee joint, often more severe on one side.

RA Knee Pain

  • Pain is usually constant and may be worse in the morning or after rest (morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes).
  • Often accompanied by swelling, warmth, and redness in the joint.
  • May affect both knees symmetrically (both sides of the body).

OA Knee Stiffness

  • Stiffness is usually worse in the morning but improves after moving for a short period.

RA Knee Stiffness

  • Morning stiffness can last for an hour or more and may persist throughout the day due to ongoing inflammation.

OA Knee Swelling

  • Swelling in OA is generally mild and may occur after prolonged use or due to bone spurs.

RA Knee Swelling

  • Swelling from rheumatoid arthritis is often more pronounced and may be accompanied by warmth and tenderness in the knee.

Diagnosing and Treating OA and RA of the Knee

Determining whether your knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis usually involves a few diagnostic steps and tests.

Diagnosis

Orthopedic doctors typically use medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to diagnose osteoarthritis. Imaging tests reveal the extent of damage to the knee.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests are often used to identify markers of inflammation or autoimmunity. Imaging tests may also be used to assess joint damage.

Treatments

When it comes to treating knee arthritis, there are several options available. For osteoarthritis, common treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, ultrasound-guided injections, and physical therapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment often involves medications that suppress the immune system, reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. Biologic drugs target specific parts of the immune system involved in the disease.

Lowering Risk Factors for OA and RA

Efforts can be made to lower risk factors for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:

Lowering OA Risks

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight increases stress on the knees. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce pressure on the knees.
  • Stay Active: Engage in low-impact exercises to strengthen muscles around the joint and improve flexibility without much stress on the knees.
  • Protect Your Joints: Use proper techniques and support gear during physical activities to avoid injuries that can worsen OA.
  • Strengthen Muscles: Focus on exercises that build strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves to support knee stability.
  • Avoid Joint Injuries: Prevent injuries with protective equipment and by avoiding high-impact activities.

Lowering Rheumatoid Arthritis Risks

  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for RA. Seek help to quit smoking and avoid tobacco exposure.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish. Try to avoid foods that raise inflammation levels in the body.
  • Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga to help manage symptoms.
  • Regular Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises to maintain joint function and manage weight.
  • Early Diagnosis: Regular check-ups with a rheumatologist and early use of disease-modifying drugs can slow disease progression.

For an accurate diagnosis and knee pain relief, consult an orthopedic doctor.

Knee Arthritis Treatment in Wentzville, MO

Trust Advanced Bone & Joint for arthritis treatments. We offer a superior and comprehensive arthritis care program for our knee arthritis patients. Our program consists of cutting-edge treatments to bring you effective and lasting knee pain relief.

Our board-certified orthopedic specialists strive to avoid surgery as much as possible. However, should you require surgical intervention, we have advanced training in knee joint replacement procedures.

To schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors, call us today at (636) 241-9807 or use our appointment request form. We have locations in Wentzville, O’Fallon, and St. Peters.