The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affecting millions of people, most of whom are elderly, annually.  Though classified under the same category, these forms of arthritis are dissimilar in how symptoms occur and the causes of the respective disorders. 

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis, most often attributed to aging.  Generally, osteoarthritis is the summation of a lifetime of wear and tear on a person’s joint as the cartilage (the body’s natural cushion of bones between joints) gradually dissolves from repeated use.

 When cartilage dissolves, bones are more susceptible to direct (and painful) contact, often resulting in bone spurs, which then cause further damage.  Areas most frequently affected by osteoarthritis are weight-bearing joints, specifically the knees, lower back, and hip joints. 

Treatment of osteoarthritis usually includes management of one’s health and daily habits, including weight and diet control, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a highly inflammatory form of arthritis resulting from infection, often leading to joint destruction, deformity and loss of function.  Patients will see permanent, often symmetrical, swelling of joints, most commonly associated with peripheral joints like the hands, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and feet. 

The distinguishing feature noted by those affected with rheumatoid arthritis is that they will experience polyarticular symptoms, that is, symptoms felt in multiple joints, usually five or more.  

Generally, rheumatoid arthritis begins to develop between ages 40 and 50, most frequently in females and those who smoke or live with poor health habits.  There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis.  Patients are treated to ease their discomfort, including medical, social, and emotional support in order to stave off more severe results such as bone deformities and chronic pain.