Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the world, and Rheumatoid arthritis is the second-most common.

Both can be incredibly painful and debilitating if left untreated. Because of this, it is important to know the difference between the two, so you can better identify and manage your symptoms.

Keep reading to learn the differences between Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid arthritis and how to manage symptoms if they are present.

Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis

The inflammatory symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are the same. Both appear in a person's joints and include:

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Swelling, warmth, and redness
• Stiffness and limited movement

However, even though the inflammatory symptoms are the same, their causes are different. To tell if you have Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid arthritis is through the age of onset, how many joints are affected, and what other symptoms are occurring.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is typically found in older adults. It usually begins development in one joint over a period of several years.

It is a degenerative joint condition that is caused by a person's joint cartilage wearing down through normal use. As the cartilage disappears, the bones around it begin to rub against each other and cause pain and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis can involve bone spurs or abnormalities. Beyond that, it is not accompanied by systemic symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age. It develops in multiple joints, often symmetrically.

It is an autoimmune disorder in which a person's immune system identifies a joint's synovial lining as a threat. This leads to the immune system attacking the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis has a rapid onset and worsens over a period of several weeks to several months. It is often accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Long-lasting morning stiffness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Rheumatoid Nodules

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

While there is no known cure for these types of arthritis, there are a variety of treatments available to help reduce pain, minimize damage, improve functionality, and slow the disease's progress.

Anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid medications can be beneficial in managing arthritis symptoms.

Exercise and weight loss can also help reduce symptoms, especially for those who are overweight or obese. You may also ask a doctor or physical therapist for recommended exercises to strengthen your joints' muscles.

You may consider using cold or hot therapies to minimize pain and inflammation. Heat helps relax muscles, while ice can reduce pain and swelling.

Percussion therapy is also a good option to reduce arthritic pain and increase blood flow. Using a massage gun can improve your range of motion recovery. It does this by giving a deep tissue massage that lubricates your joints and reduces the amount of scar tissue on your muscles. 

Manage Arthritis Symptoms with a Muscle Massage Gun

Now that you know what the differences between Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid arthritis are, you can better identify what kind of arthritis you may have.

Catching your arthritis symptoms early will allow you to slow down the progression of the disease, minimize joint damage, and promote overall wellness.

Shop with us today to find the best massage gun to manage your arthritic symptoms.