Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: How They Affect Your Knees Differently

Knee pain from arthritis can make everyday tasks harder and affect your quality of life. If you live in St. Peters, MO, and are dealing with arthritis in your knees, knowing which type is causing your pain is very important. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types, but they are not the same. They have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

 

This article will explain how osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different. We will also look at what that means for your treatment.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often called the “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It happens when the cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Cartilage is a soft and smooth material that cushions your joints, keeping your bones from rubbing against each other. When this cushion gets damaged or disappears, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint.

 

Several factors can increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis:

• Age: Osteoarthritis is more common as people get older, usually starting after age 50.
• Previous Injuries: If you had a past knee injury, you might be more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
• Weight: Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your knee joints, which speeds up cartilage damage.
• Joint Overuse: Doing the same motions repeatedly, whether for work or sports, can wear out the cartilage over time.

 

This condition usually takes a long time to develop. The symptoms often appear slowly and may worsen as the years go by.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis because it is an autoimmune disease. The immune system normally protects the body. However, an autoimmune disease makes the immune system attack the body’s own structures. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, it attacks the joint lining, called the synovium. The attack leads to inflammation, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.

 

The exact reason why this happens is not fully understood, but several factors may play a role:

• Genetics: If rheumatoid arthritis runs in your family, you might have a higher chance of developing it.
• Immune System Disorders: Problems with the immune system are the main cause of this condition.
• Environmental Triggers: Things like certain infections or smoking can trigger an immune reaction. This may then lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 30 and 50. Unlike osteoarthritis, it tends to get worse much more quickly.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although both conditions affect the knees, their symptoms present differently. Here are common symptoms of osteoarthritis:

• Pain that worsens after physical activity or toward the end of the day
• Stiffness that is more noticeable in the morning or after being inactive
• Swelling, but typically mild compared to rheumatoid arthritis
• Bone spurs, which are extra bits of bone that may form around the knee
• A crunching or grating sensation in the joint, known as crepitus

 

Now, here are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes to an hour
• Swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected knee joint due to inflammation
• Symmetrical pain, meaning both knees are often affected simultaneously
• Fatigue and fever, which are signs of systemic inflammation
• Episodes of flare-ups where symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission

How Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Differ in Progression

The way osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis progress is very different. Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly over a long time. It mainly affects the joint where the cartilage wears down, causing pain and stiffness that worsen gradually.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, progresses much faster. It does not just affect one joint. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it can spread to other joints and even impact other parts of the body. The chance that it can spread makes it more complex to manage and address.

Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Treating osteoarthritis aims to reduce pain and keep joints moving. Common treatments include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Losing weight and doing low-impact exercises like swimming can reduce knee stress.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around your knee can improve support.
• Medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs help manage pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid Injections: These reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief.

Surgery

Severe cases may require knee replacement to improve mobility and quality of life. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.

Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis focus on controlling the immune system and reducing inflammation. Common options include:

• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Medications like methotrexate help slow down the disease and protect the joints.
• Biologics: These are advanced drugs that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation.
• NSAIDs and Corticosteroids: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids help relieve pain and swelling.
• Physical Therapy: Special exercises can strengthen muscles and improve how your joints move.
• Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and making healthy choices can support overall well-being.

 

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent serious joint damage. They can also help you maintain a good quality of life.

Relief from Knee Arthritis in St. Peters, MO

Living with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can be overwhelming. However, proper care can provide knee pain relief and drastically improve your quality of life. At Advanced Bone & Joint, we specialize in diagnosing and treating arthritis in a way that fits each patient’s needs. Whether you are suffering from knee pain, stiffness, or swelling, our experts are here to guide you through every step.

 

Call us at (636) 241-9807 or request a consultation through our appointment request form today for knee arthritis treatment. By partnering with trusted professionals, you can take control of your joint health.

 

We look forward to serving you!

 

 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5599-osteoarthritis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353653