Are arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis the same thing?
If you’re an adult who has been noticing some inflammation and discomfort in your joints, the possibility of it being due to arthritis has likely crossed your mind.
There’s also a good chance that while looking up information on arthritis, you’ve come across the term rheumatoid arthritis and wondered if it’s the same thing.
To quickly clarify: arthritis is a general term, while rheumatoid arthritis is one type of it.
In this article, we provide a quick overview of both, including their causes and typical routes of management.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only and should not be used in place of a professional diagnosis. If you are experiencing any symptoms, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Arthritis isn’t just one condition; it is an umbrella term referring to joint inflammation.
It comes from the Greek root ‘arthron’ meaning joint, and the suffix ‘-itis’ meaning inflammation.
There are many possible causes for joint inflammation; in fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
Some types are degenerative in nature; in osteoarthritis, the cartilage lining the joints wears down over time and no longer provides adequate cushioning for the bones. This can be caused by repetitive stress on the joint, and other health factors such as age, genetics, being overweight, or smoking.
Other types are caused by metabolic or systemic conditions; an example is gout, which is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints.
While the causes of arthritis may be varied, their common denominator is that they cause some degree of joint damage or malfunction, which typically presents as:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that is autoimmune in nature.
That means it is caused by a dysfunction of the body’s immune system, which needlessly attacks the lining of the joints (synovium). This causes inflammation and pain, and degradation of the lining.
The exact cause of RA—in other words, what causes the immune system to erroneously attack the body in this way—is not known. However, genetics, hormones, and smoking are considered to play a role in the risk of acquiring it.
To date, there is no known cure for arthritis, including rheumatoid.
When addressed early, however, there are ways to manage the different types of arthritis to slow down the progression of the condition and lessen its impact on one’s quality of life.
The routes for managing arthritis will vary depending on the type and cause. Here is a brief overview of what to expect, and how to get the best results:
Early diagnosis: For any type of arthritis, spotting it early is key. Compared to muscles, the ability of cartilage to repair itself is limited. The sooner you can start slowing the progression of arthritis, the better, as you’ll delay the permanent damage to your joints.
For rheumatoid arthritis: Medication is the usual route. A class of drugs called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which target the immune system, may be offered.
Pain relief often involves the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical pain relievers, and heat and cold therapy. Stronger prescription drugs may be prescribed for more severe cases.
Lifestyle changes may be prescribed, especially if being overweight is a contributing factor (such as in osteoarthritis).
Dietary changes may be prescribed for arthritis types that are metabolic in nature. For example, gout sufferers are often advised to cut down on foods high in purines such as red meats, organ meats, and seafood, as these can raise levels of uric acid in the blood.
Proper hydration is crucial, as being dehydrated can further reduce the lubrication of the joints, worsening symptoms.
Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in managing different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Physiotherapists can help not only with pain relief but also with preserving (or regaining) function of the affected joint and range of motion.
A physio can also help you strengthen the surrounding muscles and joints, which is key for lessening the strain on the affected joint and slowing symptom progression.
A physiotherapist can help preserve or restore function in a joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Assistive devices: For more advanced cases of arthritis that hamper one’s mobility or ability to perform everyday tasks, adaptive devices and mobility aids can be of great help. (Read our blog on the different types of assistive devices for people with arthritis!)
As there is to date no cure for arthritis, the best one can do to manage arthritis is to slow down its progression, so early diagnosis is of utmost importance.
Left unmanaged, arthritis can cause permanent joint dysfunction and loss of range of motion, as well as lead to deformities in the joint.
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis—be it rheumatoid arthritis or other types—and need help managing your symptoms, our team is here for you.
Our qualified physiotherapists will make use of modalities such as manual therapy, heat and cold therapy, and exercise to help relieve pain and restore joint function and range of motion.
Call 02 8808 4000 or message us through this form to enquire!