What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and ordinary arthritis ? ?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disorder (so far the cause is unknown) in which the body fights against itself. This is also known as RA. It can be controlled with medication, but not cured. It can affect fingers,hands,knees,back etc.. Osteoarthritis (the common arthritis) is a wear-and tear disorder. Nearly everyone over age 50 have some sort of OA. Sometimes it is the result of an injury. It is also known as degenerative joint disease. Some forms CAN be healed by having joint replacements—hips, knees, shoulders. RA is more serious and is chronic, while OA can come and go. They are two separate disorders that are not related. RA can lead to inability and beoming wheel-chair bound. The loss of activity could lead to additional conditions. Have not heard of either being a direct cause of death.
