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Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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  • What are the two main types of arthritis?
    Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • What happens to the cartilage in osteoarthritis?
    The smooth cartilage at the end of bones erodes, allowing bones to contact each other, causing pain and restricted movement.
  • Which joints are commonly affected by osteoarthritis?
    Hands, spine, knees, and hips.
  • What happens at the joint in arthritis?
    Synovial fluid dries up, cartilage erodes, joints become stiff, bone ends rub, extra bone growths develop, and inflammation occurs.
  • List factors that increase the risk of developing arthritis.
    Joint injury, other conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis or gout), age, family history, obesity, excessive exercise, and being a woman (due to oestrogen).
  • How does osteoarthritis pain behave with activity?
    Pain usually subsides with rest and worsens with activity.
  • How does rheumatoid arthritis stiffness differ from osteoarthritis stiffness?
    Rheumatoid arthritis stiffness lasts at least 30 minutes and can persist for hours, while osteoarthritis stiffness lasts only a few minutes.
  • What are common symptoms besides joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis?
    Fatigue, weight loss, and fever.
  • Describe the joint appearance in rheumatoid arthritis compared to osteoarthritis.
    Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation making joints warm, red, and swollen; osteoarthritis joints are usually cool, not red or swollen.
  • What lifestyle changes can help treat arthritis?
    Regular exercise, losing weight if overweight, wearing suitable footwear, and using devices to reduce joint strain.
  • Name some medications used to treat arthritis.
    Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids (codeine), capsaicin creams, and anti-rheumatic drugs.
  • What supportive treatments are used for arthritis?
    Hot or cold packs, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry.
  • How can arthritis impact daily life?
    Pain and stiffness can limit movement, affect sleep and emotions, reduce ability to do hobbies, shopping, employment, and self-care.
  • What structural changes occur in an osteoarthritic joint?
    Cartilage breaks down, bone becomes exposed, meniscus erodes, and bone spurs develop.
  • At what age does osteoarthritis usually begin?
    Usually after age 40.
  • Can rheumatoid arthritis begin at any age?
    Yes, it may begin at any age but usually before age 50.
  • Which joints does rheumatoid arthritis usually affect?
    Small joints such as hands, feet, wrists, elbows, shoulders, or ankles, usually on both sides of the body.
  • How does disease progression differ between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
    Osteoarthritis symptoms worsen gradually over years; rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worsen over weeks or months.
  • What treatments are specific to rheumatoid arthritis?
    Anti-rheumatic drugs and biological treatments that stop immune system activation.
  • What is the effect of obesity on arthritis risk?
    Obesity puts excess strain on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, increasing arthritis risk.