How Osteoarthritis is Different from Rheumatoid Arthritis

People often get confused about the difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This happens because most are unaware of detailed knowledge about diseases and their types. But worry not!  The team of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda is here to guide you with proper awareness and deep knowledge about health and each facet connected to it. In this article, Dr. Mukesh Sharda, a renowned Ayurvedic rheumatologist sheds light on how each of the conditions differ.

Arthritis disease is a wide concept, it has over 100+ types. There is no doubt that OA & RA are both one of its types. However, their symptoms (eventually) are similar but the cause and the line of treatment differ completely. There are some other factors as well that define the difference between these two. This also helps the doctor with a better understanding of its type.

Osteoarthritis

The cartilage of joints is involved in this type of arthritis. To protect the joints against friction or grinding, cartilage works as a cap. In normal language, Indians normally refer to it as lubrication (ग्रीस) of joints. It helps with smooth movement such as bending, folding, walking, standing, etc.

Due to factors like age, wrong diet, less movement of the body, etc., when this cartilage wears off with time – this condition slowly leads to osteoarthritis. This happens because the lubricating fluid slowly depletes. This forces the joints of both bones to rub against each other, causing immense pain and various joint problems. In such a situation, choosing Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda can be an ideal way to manage the disorder with great effectiveness.

Another type of arthritis that this article explains is RA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is no doubt with the fact that this is also a joint disorder. However, it is a disease that emerges due to dysfunction in the body’s immune system. When due to certain factors, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints thus resulting in joint disease. It is also commonly said that in RA, the joints and immune system become enemies.

Mainly small joints are affected in RA, such as fingers, wrists, ankles, elbows, etc. If someone overlooks this condition in the first place then gradually it will also capture the larger joints. Therefore, following expert advice, they suggest to timely manage it so that it does not become a larger burden. Under Rheumatoid Arthritis Ayurvedic treatment, the vaidyas i.e. Ayurvedic experts not only catch the root cause but also educate the patients about their disease.

Comparison: Osteoarthritis v/s Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unfortunately, most people’s perception regarding arthritis is that it mainly happens to old age people. To break this myth, this article guides about how diverse this disease is. It is not biased regarding the age factor. From young children to old age, anyone can become a victim.

Factors of differentiation Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
Meaning Osteoarthritis usually develops with age when the cartilage from the joints wears off. It is a degenerative disorder. RA on the other hand, affects the inner lining of small joints of the body when immune system dysfunctions.
Joints affected Large joints are mainly targeted like hips, spine, knees, and hands. Initially, it affects small joints like fingers, toes, elbows, and feet.
Main cause Wear and tear of joints with age is the main cause. Dysfunction in the immune system.
Deformity Deformity in OA is rarely witnessed. The deformity rate is higher in RA than in OA. It tends to rise quickly with time.
Diagnosis It can be diagnosed with the help of X-rays, MRI, or Ultrasounds. The test for RA includes RF, anti-CCP, or RBC.
Age This type of arthritis is based on age. It generally occurs after 40-50s. The age factor is not prominent in RA. Children, women, or men of any age can be affected.
Morning stiffness Less than 30 minutes of morning stiffness is detected. More than 30 minutes.

 

Ayurveda’s role in the treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

There’s no doubt in the fact that most of the symptoms of OA and RA are similar. However, their main cause is completely different. Therefore, Ayurveda offers different line of treatment for both.

For recovery, with the effort to manage its painful symptoms, some herbs-based medicines and an all-natural nutritious diet plan are suggested to the patients. This will help with the recovery of the root cause of the disease.  Also, some effective yoga poses or desk exercises are advised which will help with pain relief and maintenance of joint flexibility.

Ayurveda works with the motive of ‘Internal Healing’.

Conclusion

In the above article, the difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is now understandable. It is always beneficial to grab information related to health or the human body. This proves to be helpful in the long run. With this, one understands the language of the body i.e. in severe conditions how it reacts and when one needs to take action for their health.

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