How is rheumatoid arthritis different from osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and clinical presentations.123

Key Differences

• Pathology: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the synovial membranes, causing inflammation and the formation of pannus, which destroys cartilage and bone. Conversely, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the mechanical wear and deterioration of articular cartilage due to aging, trauma, or stress.4352
• Symptoms and Activity: Rheumatoid arthritis often involves systemic symptoms like fatigue and anemia, with morning stiffness typically lasting about two hours. Joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis often improves with activity, whereas osteoarthritis pain is typically exacerbated by extended activity.135
• Joint Distribution: Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect joints symmetrically and often involves the proximal joints of the hands. Osteoarthritis more commonly affects the distal joints of the fingers, as well as weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.1352
• Markers: Rheumatoid arthritis is frequently associated with the presence of rheumatoid factor in the blood, a marker absent in osteoarthritis.13