Introduction
Variously referred to as Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis is a complex disease that is characterized by varying complications and symptoms that differ from patient to patient. Often,inflammatory arthritis symptoms are confused with degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) symptoms. This is especially common at the onset of arthritis symptoms.
Despite both types of arthritis resulting in joint pain, the two diseases have different diagnoses. Interestingly, though the two are non-curable and chronic, they are totally different conditions with varying symptoms, causes, treatments, and prognoses.
Degenerative Arthritis vs. Inflammatory Arthritis- The Difference
The primary difference between inflammatory arthritis and degenerative arthritis is the nature of the disease. While the former is an autoimmune disease that creates inflammatory joint symptoms that spread throughout the body, the latter is a degenerative condition that is caused by increased wear and tear on one's joints. Although degenerative arthritis may still produce inflammatory symptoms, it primarily destroys the cartilage around the joints over time.
Only about 1.4 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis while Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 30 million Americans. And while both conditions are more prevalent in women than men, rheumatoid arthritis tends to occur in patients between the ages of 30 and 60 years old while Osteoarthritis generally develops in the latter stages of life.
Degenerative arthritis vs. Inflammatory Arthritis- Causes
Both degenerative and inflammatory arthritis are caused by different underlying issues coupled with different risk factors. This is what makes them primarily different.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
While the exact cause of inflammatory arthritis still remains unknown, what doctors are certain of is that the disease is triggered by an autoimmune disorder where harmful antibodies attack healthy joint tissue in otherwise healthy patients. However, what causes this disorder in certain patients still remains a mystery.
The primary risk factors that are thought to trigger inflammatory arthritis include hormonal, environmental, genetic, and even certain lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking. Since it affects people from various backgrounds, it is difficult to determine a specific cause.
Causes of degenerative arthritis
Degenerative arthritis is caused by continued tear and wear on specific joints in one's body. It is a chronic condition that gets progressively worse with age. In addition, certain sports or jobs that involve repetitive actions can also lead to developing degenerative arthritis as these activities place extra pressure on joints which may accelerate the wearing down of cartilage. Further, old injuries or those that have failed to heal properly can also heighten the risk of developing this condition. Recent studies have also shown that there is also a potential risk factor synonymous with osteoarthritis where it is possible to genetically inherit cartilage deterioration.
Degenerative Arthritis vs. Inflammatory Arthritis- Symptoms
Inflammatory arthritis symptoms are characterized by a rather rapid onset where the condition can worsen substantially in a matter of weeks. With osteoarthritis, however, symptoms develop slowly and gradually worsen over a prolonged period of time.
Osteoarthritis generally affects the thumb and small finger joints, as well as the knees while rheumatoid arthritis usually targets joints all over the body including hips, knees, elbows, fingers, and hands. Moreover, at the onset of the latter, symptoms like weight loss, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite are indicative of its development while osteoarthritis does not produce such additional symptoms.
One standout characteristic of inflammatory arthritis is that it results in symmetrical symptoms i.e. both sides of the body are affected in the same way unlike degenerative arthritis which is based entirely on tear and wear levels in individual joints. Below is a comparison of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms:
Degenerative arthritis symptoms
. Joints on one side that are affected worse than on the other side
. Joint stiffness and pain usually affecting fingers, hands, or knees
. Possible hip and spine pain as well.
. Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
Inflammatory arthritis symptoms
. Symmetrical symptoms that affect both sides of the body
. Stiffness, joint pain, and swelling affecting several joints
. Morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
. Additional symptoms like fever, fatigue, and malaise.
Degenerative Arthritis vs. Inflammatory Arthritis- Treatment
Neither type of arthritis has a known cure which means that the objective of treatment is to manage symptoms, reduce pain, and prevent further joint destruction. To treat both types of arthritis symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications e.g. ibuprofen are used to reduce pain and swelling.
Because inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, specific medications may be prescribed to guard against immune system attacks and forestall further damage.
Occupational and physical therapy are also used to help people adjust their daily routines and improve mobility. Weight management, exercise, and healthy living habits are thus essential in managing and treating both diseases.
