Differences Between Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

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Hello all, I'm looking for someone familiar with the key differences between Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis. Including Causes, At Risk Populations, Signs and Symptoms, Labs/tests, and T/X. Thanks in advance. :D

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Specializes in CTICU.

Basically, OA is degenerative and RA is systemic immune/inflammatory.

I attached my study notes about this - they definitely tested on the differences (this was grad level advanced patho).

I remember in nursing school I remembered them as RA is the one you are RAised with (ie. often genetic, immune-based) while Osteoarthritis is the one you get when you're Old - simple, but it worked!

MS Notes 091.doc

RA v OA.doc

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ghillbert did a good job explaining it.

From the standpoint of someone who has RA, let me tell you that the pain and inflammation are VERY MUCH systemic. I swell just about everywhere when I am having a flare!! Also with RA you have autoimmune concerns to deal with. I have to be a little more careful about infections and a little more cautious when I get sick. My immune system doesn't quite work at 100% - I'm not severely immune compromised or anything, but I NEVER miss a flu shot and when I feel that I am coming down with something, I respond quickly with a doctors visit and/or home remedy (not much sense in seeing the doctor for a cold).

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Basically, OA is degenerative and RA is systemic immune/inflammatory.

I attached my study notes about this - they definitely tested on the differences (this was grad level advanced patho).

I remember in nursing school I remembered them as RA is the one you are RAised with (ie. often genetic, immune-based) while Osteoarthritis is the one you get when you're Old - simple, but it worked!

Wow, Thanks ghillbert for sharing that and the Notes. It will definately help me differentiate between the two.

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ghillbert did a good job explaining it.

From the standpoint of someone who has RA, let me tell you that the pain and inflammation are VERY MUCH systemic. I swell just about everywhere when I am having a flare!! Also with RA you have autoimmune concerns to deal with. I have to be a little more careful about infections and a little more cautious when I get sick. My immune system doesn't quite work at 100% - I'm not severely immune compromised or anything, but I NEVER miss a flu shot and when I feel that I am coming down with something, I respond quickly with a doctors visit and/or home remedy (not much sense in seeing the doctor for a cold).

Thank you soo much for sharing your personal experiences coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I find that to be the best way to learn about a medical condition is to have had it or know someone who has. Again, thankyou. :D

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
I find that to be the best way to learn about a medical condition is to have had it

I will gladly give you all mine, especially my cancer. Send me your address.

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Sounds like a homework question to me ...

I find that the best way to learn about a condition or illness is to do the research myself, not ask someone else for the answer.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Well I considered that elkpark, but I figured he'll still have to study to learn it, even if he has notes.

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Sometimes, it just helps to have a simple explanation. Remember, not all students learn the same way. Some can read till they are blue in the face and not get it without some sort of other aid--such as trick to remember the two that another poster gave.

Think of RA as an Immune Disorder (Pain can be severe and it's genetic, too) There is a blood test to diagnose it. RA Factor.

Osteo is quite common and isn't an immune disorder.

Remember, RA is genetic, and very very often has a lot of complications that are internal, on top of the painful swelling and disfiguration that those with RA experience.

Almost all adults will develop osteoarthritis at some point--women after menopause, for instance.

People with RA are given immune suppression drugs--those with Osteo aren't. Osteo pts are given anti-inflammation meds--often just OTC meds.

Visually, you can see the difference, actually. Osteo isn't always visible when looking at joints--RA usually is as the entire joint is not only swollen, it changes the entire shape. It can become a debilitating condition when not treated.

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Sounds like a homework question to me ...

I find that the best way to learn about a condition or illness is to do the research myself, not ask someone else for the answer.

Sounds like a homework question? I already graduated from nursing school.

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Sometimes, it just helps to have a simple explanation. Remember, not all students learn the same way. Some can read till they are blue in the face and not get it without some sort of other aid--such as trick to remember the two that another poster gave.

Think of RA as an Immune Disorder (Pain can be severe and it's genetic, too) There is a blood test to diagnose it. RA Factor.

Osteo is quite common and isn't an immune disorder.

Remember, RA is genetic, and very very often has a lot of complications that are internal, on top of the painful swelling and disfiguration that those with RA experience.

Almost all adults will develop osteoarthritis at some point--women after menopause, for instance.

People with RA are given immune suppression drugs--those with Osteo aren't. Osteo pts are given anti-inflammation meds--often just OTC meds.

Visually, you can see the difference, actually. Osteo isn't always visible when looking at joints--RA usually is as the entire joint is not only swollen, it changes the entire shape. It can become a debilitating condition when not treated.

Thank you Soooooo much! I mean I thought this forum was all about nurses/students helping each other. Some ppl can be so bitter. I appreciate your help :D:up: I was not trying to get an easy answer for a homework assignment. Sorry but I put in my time for Nursing School. Been there done that got the Degree.

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I will gladly give you all mine, especially my cancer. Send me your address.

Perhaps that came out the wrong way, I did not mean to sound insensitive. I do not wish illness on anyone or that I had it. I simply meant that I understand and remember the symptoms and treatment for when I have broken my ankle, fingers, nose, got Strep, Chickenpox, Bronchitis, Asthma, etc. I did not mean to offend anyone or sound ungrateful. I thank God for my health. Sorry for any misunderstanding. :nuke:

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