Differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis - 5 simple ways you can use own today.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? What are their special precautions and natural treatments? Find out the expert answers in this article.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have got some similarities as well as differences. Their exact causes are not known. While osteoarthritis often accompanies aging, rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any age group and is also found in children and adults.

Osteoarthritis can be commonly found in people around the age group of 60. The intensity of pain and degree of the problem varies according to their lifestyle. Rheumatoid arthritis might develop at any age, although during remission period, there might be a complete lack of symptoms of pain.

Broadly speaking, these are the major signs of difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis -

1) Pain is a common characteristic in both forms of arthritis. It is also one of the major distinguishing factors which doctors use for diagnosis and to identify the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In osteoarthritis, the pain might occur in only one joint, for example in the right knee. On the other hand, in rheumatoid arthritis the pain is generally found occurring on the joints on both sides of the body. For example, there might be pain in both knees.

2) "Wear and tear" of the cartilage cushions is the primary reason for osteoarthritis. The cartilage cushions act as shock absorbers that prevent the bones of the joint from rubbing together. When this cartilage is damaged due to overuse or injury, it causes osteoarthritis and leads to inflammation and swelling in the joints.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the pain and inflammation in the joints take place well before any damage occurs in the cartilage cushions. In fact, frequent occurrence of chronic inflammation causes damage to the cartilage and intense pain.

3) Factors that might lead to the occurrence of osteoarthritis are - obesity, joint injury, overuse of joints and heredity. On the other hand, obesity might aggravate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not play any role in developing of that condition in the first place.

4) One of the major difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that osteoarthritis affects only the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis can also affect many other parts in the body.

5) What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in terms of treatment? In rheumatoid arthritis, drugs that suppress immune system activity are often prescribed; whereas they are not required in osteoarthritis. However, anti-inflammatory drugs are common mode of treatment in both forms of arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the diet by using fish oil supplements is one of the best, most effective and natural ways of treating the symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

They are also free of the potential side effects that most of the description based anti-inflammatory drugs suffer from. On the contrary, they provide a lot of health benefits such as improvement in brain health, cardiovascular health, digestive system, memory and concentration, skin health, joints and much more.

Green lipped mussel found in New Zealand is also another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It plays an effective role in reducing pain and joint stiffness, increasing grip strength and enhancing mobility in people suffering from osteoarthritis. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is used in combination with fish oil supplements to provide effective long-term relief in arthritis symptoms.

However, if you are using blood thinner medications such as aspirin on medical prescription, then you should consult your doctor before including omega-3 supplements or fish oil supplements for arthritis relief as they are natural blood thinners. This is to ensure that you do not take too many blood thinners as it could lead to potential side effects.

How to Get Rid of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis's a very uncomfortable disease that affects millions of people. It is a disease of the joints causing pains and swelling. Some people suffer from this disease for a couple of months but in severe cases this disease might last for many years or lifetime. It is best to find out how to get rid of rheumatoid arthritis before this condition could cause serious joint damage.
Older people and those who are in their middle age are prone to get this disease but in rare cases young adults able to get it. Medical professionals do not know why this kind of disease occurs but studies have shown that genes, hormones and environment affect the occurrence of arthritis. If you are suffering from this condition, you have to know how to get rid of rheumatoid arthritis because this could be a lifetime condition that could annoy you forever. Here are some tips:

Get the proper diagnosis and treatment. You could visit your family doctor or a rheumatologist. Be prepared for a series of laboratory testing and physical exams. It is better to get the opinion of medical professionals who are experts in dealing with joints, muscles and bones problems. You maybe required visiting your doctor on a regular basis to evaluate your progress in the treatment and to look if you are getting better.

Medications. This is the most common treatment to get rid of rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs can be helpful for immediate relief of pains and swelling. Medications can also preclude the disease from getting worse. Taking medicines depends on many factors like your general health condition and the severity of your arthritis. You also have to know that prolong use of medicines have its side effects.

Lifestyle change. If you are not keeping a fit lifestyle, there is a high possibility that your condition will get worse. A lifestyle substitute can support you get rid of rheumatoid arthritis attacks. Eat a well balanced diet and avoid foods that may trigger swelling of joints and muscles. Try to avoid stress, get enough rest to relax your body and exercise regularly.

Surgery. Surgery maybe required for people with severe cases of arthritis for them to function better. But surgery is not for everybody and you also have to consider your overall health. You doctor can advise you with this option.

Natural remedies. With millions of people suffering from this joint problem, many are still looking for the best treatment that will work for them. Now natural remedies are gaining popularity because some people find it inexpensive and effective.