What is the difference between rheumatory arthritis and other arthritis?

Answer by  patti (29325)

There 100+ types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Osteoarthritis is degenerative. Gout is a form of arthritis.

Answer by  DrMom (854)

Rheumatoid arthritis destroys cartilage in joints and sometimes causes crippling. Both rheumatoid and osteo arthritis cause pain, though rheumatoid is probably more concerning because of the potential for disability. Osteoarthritis is caused by overuse of a joint which may wear out with time. Tennis elbow is an example of arthritis caused by overuse. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally not preventable.

Answer by  newgeneration (699)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that frequently targets multiple joints. Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and usually starts in a single joint. Osteoarthritis is more common, but rheumatoid is generally more disabling.

Answer by  liblue (683)

Rheumatory arthritis can have early onset and is an auto-immune disease that can affect multiple parts of the body. Other arthritis can be just a natural part of aging. The latter can be more degenerative to the bone.