Types of Arthritis: RA, OA, Gout – What’s the Difference?
Arthritis is a general term used to describe joint discomfort or joint disease rather than a specific illness. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), and Gout are among the most prevalent of the more than 100 kinds of arthritis. Although joint pain and inflammation are present in all three, there are notable differences in their etiology, signs, and therapies. Patients who are aware of these variations are better able to control their symptoms and seek the right care.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
The immune system unintentionally targets the synovium, the lining of the joints, in RA, an inflammatory disease that results in inflammation and destruction.
Who’s at risk:
Common in individuals aged 30 to 60; more common in women.
Principal Symptoms
· Stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than half an hour.
· Swelling in the wrists and fingers, among other minor joints.
· Low-grade fever and fatigue.
· Discomfort in the same joints on both sides of the body.
Complications:
RA is a systemic illness that can cause complications in the heart, lungs, eyes, and even blood vessels.
Osteoarthritis (OA):
The main cause of osteoarthritis (OA) is the degeneration of cartilage brought on by aging, trauma, or repetitive stress.
Who’s at risk:
Those who are at risk include athletes, older persons, people who have had joint problems in the past, and obese people.
Important Symptoms:
· Joint pain that gets better when you rest and gets worse when you move
· Stiffness following periods of inactivity, such as getting out of bed
· A feeling of grating or crushing
· Limited range of motion
· The hands, spine, hips, and knees are frequently impacted.
Therapy:
· Pain alleviation (NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
· Exercise and weight control.
· Injections into the joints (such as hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids)
· In extreme situations, joint replacement surgery.
Gout:
The accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which is frequently brought on by excessive uric acid production or inadequate uric acid clearance, is the cause of gout.
Who’s at risk:
Men in their middle years, those who eat foods high in purines (red meat, alcohol), and those who have kidney issues are at risk.
Important Symptoms:
· Joint pain that is sudden and intense, usually at night
· Warmth, edema, and redness surrounding the joint
· Affects the big toe most frequently, but it can also affect the knees, ankles, and fingers.
· Triggers include dehydration, high-purine meals, alcohol, and some drugs.
