Well-balanced life with MNI – The Destructive effect of chronic inflammation – Arthritis

A recent report estimated that approximately 24 million people in America alone suffer from severe immobility due to some form of arthritis. The term ‘arthritis’ refers to joint inflammation and encompasses over 100 joint conditions; however, the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although these two conditions have some symptomatic similarities, their underlying causes are quite different which is why it is important to gain the correct diagnosis and associated treatment. 

What is Osteoarthritis?

This form of arthritis falls into the category of degenerative or mechanical arthritis and the primary cause is damage to the cartilage on the articulating surfaces due to inflammation and wear and tear of weight-bearing joints or from previous trauma in that area. It is more prevalent in women than men and onset is usually age-related with those over 65 most affected. 

Read more: Learn more about Osteoarthritis here.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The root cause of this type of arthritis is abnormal inflammation, usually in the feet and hands, due to an autoimmune disorder. This immune response causes the joint surfaces and tissues around the joints to become damaged causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. This condition is not related to age and is also more common in women but, when found in men, it is often more severe.

Read more: Learn more about Arthritis here.

What is Osteoarthritis = Cartilage Loss?

Normally joint cartilage gets constantly remodelled after joint movement but in those with osteoarthritis, this function is altered resulting in abnormal joint cartilage. Over time osteoarthritis causes progressive cartilage loss and thickening on the subchondral plate. Bony spurs can occur along the joints as well as bone cysts which are fluid-filled holes within the bone. Knees, hips, lower back, and hands are common areas affected. Pain often occurs during joint usage and sometimes there is a grating or crackling sensation due to friction between bone and cartilage. Inflammation does occur around the joint tissues and aids the cartilage degradation process, but it is less severe than in those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis = Joint Damage?

The symptoms of this condition can develop gradually or suddenly, and it is characterized by severe inflammation of synovium – the soft tissue that lines joints. This leads to joint damage, pain, stiffness, and loss of physical function. It is triggered by an excessive immune response in which antibodies normally deployed to fight foreign substances begin to be directed against tissues within the body. This can affect not only the joints, but other organs of the body as well and associated fatigue and fever can result. The immune response causes swelling around the joint that begins to erode the bone and marrow and destroy the surrounding structures. Left untreated, the joint loses its shape and eventually becomes completely immobile, and low bone density and osteoporosis can result. 

Comparing the Symptoms

Though there is an overlap in some symptoms, these signs can assist with differentiating between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Swelling and inflammation around the joints are usually associated with RA.

Pain, restricted joint mobility, and joint grating are common in advanced OA.

OA tends to be unilateral (on one side) while RA is usually bilateral (affecting the same joint on both sides of the body).

Generally, RA affects multiple joints while OA is experienced in only a few sites.

Morning stiffness can be an indicator as it is much more prolonged in those with RA – sometimes over an hour in duration. 

Joint movement may bring on OA pain while moving the painful joint may relieve RA stiffness.

RA patients tend to have other symptoms including tiredness, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, dry eyes, and occasionally low-grade fever. However, it is important to note that these may be caused by other simultaneous conditions.

 Arthritis Treatment

Diagnosis of a specific type of arthritis is not a simple task and if the above symptoms are experienced it is important to get a thorough assessment from a medical professional. Pinpointing and treating arthritis early is critical to minimizing the impact of the disease in order to prolong the ease of movement and decrease the need for surgery. Unfortunately, arthritis is currently considered incurable, but these conditions can be controlled through a treatment plan that focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and slowing joint damage for improved quality of life.

RheumaLin is your natural anti-inflammatory solution to combat joint pain and it is gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for the treatment of many types of arthritis. Learn more about RheumaLin here. 

How severe is your joint pain? Find out with our FREE Pain Scale 

RheumaLin contains a proprietary blend of ingredients that targets the enzymes that cause inflammation and optimises joint preservation.