What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and septic arthritis?
Arthritis is really a general term that refers to different joint problems. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, a disease where the body attacks itself for unknown reasons. This type of arthritis can attack any joint, but is most common in the hands and wrists. The joints become swollen (inflamed) inside, making them swollen, red, and warm to touch. Osteoarthritis is often called the wear-and-tear arthritis because that is what usually causes it. The linings in the joint wear away with time, causing pain in the joint. The most commonly affected joints are the knees, hips, and spine. Finally, septic arthritis is a completely different type. This happens when the fluid in the joint becomes infected. This causes fever, and pain and swelling in the joint.
