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What Is the Difference Between Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation and pain in the joints. It encompasses over 100 different conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Arthritis can be caused by various factors including autoimmune diseases, infections, metabolic issues or wear and tear. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced movement. Because arthritis refers to many different conditions, understanding the specific type is important for diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints gradually breaks down. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, swelling and decreased joint function. OA primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips and spine but can also affect the hands and other joints. It typically develops slowly over many years and is more common with ageing, previous joint injuries or repetitive stress.

Key Differences

The main difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is that arthritis is a general term covering many joint diseases, while osteoarthritis is a specific type caused by cartilage deterioration. Unlike autoimmune arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, OA is not caused by immune system dysfunction or systemic inflammation. Symptoms of OA tend to worsen with joint use and improve with rest, whereas inflammatory arthritis often causes morning stiffness and pain that improves with activity.

Causes and Risk Factors

Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors including autoimmune reactions, infections or metabolic problems like gout. Osteoarthritis mainly results from ageing, joint injury, obesity and mechanical stress. Genetic predisposition can influence both conditions.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment for arthritis varies depending on the type but often includes pain management, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Osteoarthritis treatment focuses on pain relief, maintaining joint function through exercise and weight management. In contrast, autoimmune arthritis may require medications that modulate the immune system such as DMARDs or biologics.

Summary

Arthritis is an umbrella term for joint inflammation conditions, while osteoarthritis is a specific form caused by cartilage breakdown and joint wear. Understanding the distinction helps guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.