$Unique_ID{BRK01602}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis}
$Subject{arthritis osteoarthritis rheumatoid Musculoskeletal System Connective
Tissue tissues joints joint immune system inflammation inflammatory disease
diseases anti-inflammatory cartilage rheumatism inflammations ra}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{
Osteoarthritis*0001702.scf
Rheumatoid Arthritis*0001703.scf
Progressive Levels of Arthritis*0005601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis


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QUESTION:  Would you please explain the difference between osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis?  Are the treatments the same for both?

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ANSWER:  While both conditions affect the joints in the body, they really have
two quite different mechanisms.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic
inflammatory disease, that has a course with acute periods alternating with
periods of remission.  It can range from a barely noticeable disease to one
that is crippling and mutilating.  Although an infecting agent, such as a
virus, has been sought, none has been found; and it is thought that the immune
system is involved in the process.  It is treated with antipain medicines,
anti-inflammatory agents as well as medicines that repress the working of the
immune system.
     Osteoarthritis is a joint disease characterized by degeneration and loss
of cartilage.  It is the most common type, seen increasingly as age advances,
and affects more than 10 percent of the population over the age of 60.
Inflammation rarely is seen in this type, and pain is increased when the joint
is in motion and relieved by rest.  Though both aspirin and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful in its treatment, so are other
treatments using heat and cold and physiotherapy.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.