What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. The cause for RA is not known, but an abnormality in the immune system is thought to play a major role. The common symptoms are fatigue, loss of appetite, morning stiffness, muscle ache, and weakness. Eventually, joint pain begins and the joint can become warm, tender, and stiff. When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, it gives off more fluid and the joint becomes swollen. Joint pain is often felt on both sides of the body, and may affect the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, and neck. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder and is usually caused by normal wear and tear on the joints themselves. OA can be accelerated by long term involvement with high-impact activity and sports. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include deep aching joints with pain that worsens with exercise and that is relieved with rest. Pain usually worsens
