Arthritis can cause severe pain and make it difficult to enjoy the most important things in your life. It can prevent you from enjoying the activities you used to enjoy. You might discover that there are many types of arthritis. You may be familiar with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.
What is Osteoarthritis and how can it be treated?
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is the most common. This happens when the protective cartilage which provides cushioning in your joints begins to wear down. The result is that the joints become painful and difficult to move. This type of arthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands, knees and hips. Osteoarthritis is a condition that can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over 50. It is also more common in women.
Osteoarthritis can cause side effects such as:
- Actively causing pain or aching in the joints
- Stiffness in the joints
- Limits on motion
- Swelling
- Joint weakness due to muscle weakness
- Joint instability (knees giving way)
- When a joint is moved, clicking or crackling sounds are heard
Osteoarthritis Treatment
There is no cure for osteoarthritis. However, there are many treatment options that can help ease the pain. These are some options that may be helpful if you suffer from osteoarthritis.
Medications-Medications come in many forms:
- Analgesics are pain relievers such as acetaminophen.
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are pain relievers such as aspirin that should not be used in excess for pain relief.
- Analgesics are pain relievers such as acetaminophen.
- Anti-irritants – These cause nerve endings irritation so that the pain is not the main focus.
- Corticosteroids are prescription anti-inflammatory medications that contain cortisol.
- Fluoroscopic, ultrasound-guided injections of platelet-rich plasma by a doctor
Non-medication treatment
- Exercise Movement is an important part in a treatment plan to osteoarthritis
- Weight loss – Extra weight can place pressure on joints already affected by arthritis. Losing weight can help to ease that pressure
- Surgery – This can help improve or replace damaged joints.
- Regenexx PRP-platelet-rich Plasma can be used to treat arthritis in active people.
- Integrative Wellness is a combination of nutritional assessments and diet and supplementation, muscle treatment and mind/body harmony.
- Regenexx Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells are injected into damaged tissue to aid in healing.
What is Rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. It can lead to joint swelling, pain, and even damage. When the immune system fails to function properly and attacks the lining of the joint, RA occurs. It is most common in the hands, knees and ankles. However, it can also affect other parts of your body like the eyes, heart, lungs, and heart. It is more common in middle-aged people and more common in women. If you have RA-related family members, you are more likely to get it.
Similar in appearance to osteoarthritis there may be side effects with RA.
- Warm, tender, swelling joints
- Stiffness in the joints
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
- Both sides suffer joint pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid is just like osteoarthritis. However, there are many treatment options that can help ease the pain. These are some options that may be helpful if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug – pain relievers such as aspirin
- Prednisone, and other steroids, help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
- Conventional DMARDs – These medicines slow down the progression of RA, and protect the joint and surrounding tissues from further damage.
- Biological agents – These are the new DMARDs, including Humira
- Therapy – Occupational or physical therapy can help you keep your joints flexible, and offer suggestions for daily tasks that are less painful.
- Surgery – Repairing damaged joints
- Regenexx RP – Platelet-rich plasma can help with arthritis treatment, particularly in active people
- Regenexx Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells are injected into damaged tissue to aid in healing.
Although osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are both types of arthritis that can cause pain for patients, there are some key differences. Osteoarthritis results in the destruction of protective cartilage. RA is the result of an immune system malfunctioning and attacking the body. Understanding the differences will help you understand your diagnosis and determine your treatment options.
We offer many treatment options to help you manage your pain. We can help with your pain management.
This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive Pain Management In Clearwater to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.