Joint pain. Stiffness. Loss of strength and flexibility. Getting older doesn’t have to mean missing out on life because of arthritis pain. In this article, we’ll cover how arthritis happens, as well as rheumatoid arthritis vs. osteoarthritis and how to tell the difference.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a progressive disease that causes damage to joints and tendons. Extremely common in individuals over the age of 50, arthritis affects about 1 in 5 U.S. adults, according to the CDC.

Typically, arthritis arises from the natural wear and tear our joints experience over time. However, some factors like chronic illness and lifestyle choices may impact the likelihood of developing arthritis. These include:

• Tobacco Use
• Genetics
• Lack of Exercise
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Obesity
• Psoriasis
• Age 50+
• Women
• Athletes
• Physically Demanding Profession

Arthritis usually develops as the cartilage that pads joints breaks down. This may be caused by age, overuse, autoimmune activity, and illnesses such as gout. The exact type of arthritis may differ by cause. Smart lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy diet, low-impact exercise, and regular supplementation can help ease arthritis symptoms and keep your joints healthy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis

Here's the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis at a glance:

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, impacts over 32.5 million Americans according to the CDC. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often associated with aging, overuse, and injury. This form of arthritis is usually caused by the degradation of joint tissue through regular use and movement as we age.

However, younger individuals may also experience osteoarthritis as the result of an injury or heavy use. This may be caused by athletic activity (especially contact sports) or labor-intensive professions, such as construction.

Osteoarthritis Common Signs

Common signs of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint pain or stiffness, especially after use or activity
• Joint pain or stiffness upon waking
• Clicking or popping joints
• Joint swelling
• Muscle weakness

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, another very common form of arthritis, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s joints. This causes severe inflammation, pain, swelling, and even joint deformities. This includes nodes or bumps along bone and joint tissue.

In addition to cartilage and joints, the body may also target other soft tissue. This includes major organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Rheumatoid arthritis may even damage skin, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. In severe cases, this can cause debility, serious illness, and even death.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Common Signs

Common signs of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Joint pain after moving or while resting
• Stiffness
• Tiredness, pain, and/or warmth in the joints
• Bumps and deformities around joints, especially in the hands
• Chronic fatigue
• Fevers

Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis: how to tell which you have

Look for these 3 clues:

1. Timing of stiffness. Stiffness that fades within 30 minutes points toward OA. Stiffness that lasts an hour or more points toward RA.
2. Pattern. Both hands or both wrists at once points toward RA. One knee or one hip points toward OA.
3. How you feel overall. Fatigue, fevers, and feeling sick all point toward RA. OA stays in the joint.

You're not alone if you aren't sure. A 2025 CDC study found that about 1 in 5 adults with arthritis (21.6%) didn't know which type they had.

Only a doctor can tell you which one you have for sure. Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed with an exam and an X-ray. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed with blood tests like rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP, ESR, and CRP, plus imaging. If you think you might have RA, see a doctor soon. Early treatment can slow joint damage.

How are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Osteoarthritis care focuses on keeping you moving and comfortable. Low-impact exercise like walking or swimming, strength training, weight management to take pressure off knees and hips, physical therapy, and pain relief. Advanced cases may need injections or joint replacement.

Rheumatoid arthritis needs medical treatment. A rheumatologist typically prescribes medications that calm the immune system and slow joint damage. Exercise, quality sleep, and a balanced diet work alongside that plan.

Supporting your joints

Whatever type you have, how you move, eat, and recover every day affects how your joints feel. Some people also add nutritional support for healthy joint function.* If you have RA, check with your rheumatologist before adding any supplement.

Glucosamine Synergy contains shellfish-derived ingredients. Boswellia Complex isn't for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Want the full daily plan? See the Pain & Inflammation Protocol. Not sure where to start? Take the free Pain/Inflammation Quick Check.

In the Lake Charles area? Book a new patient visit with Dr. Eric Snow to talk through your joints.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

RA vs. OA FAQs

What's the main difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage wearing down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks the joint lining.

Is osteoarthritis more serious than rheumatoid arthritis?

They're both serious in different ways, and for different reasons. OA stays in the joints. RA can affect the whole body, including the heart and lungs, so early treatment matters.

Can you have both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Yes, you can. Many people with RA also develop OA over time, especially in joints RA has already damaged.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

It is diagnosed with a physical exam of the joint and an X-ray, which can show narrowed joint space and bone spurs.

What blood tests show rheumatoid arthritis?

Common tests include rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies, ESR, and CRP.

How many people have arthritis?

According to the CDC, 21.2% of U.S. adults (about 53.2 million people) had diagnosed arthritis in 2019 to 2021. About half of adults with arthritis report osteoarthritis.

Related reading: Perimenopause Joint Pain · Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Hair Loss? · Menopause Joint Pain Supplements

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