Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of this joint disease, but what are the key differences? Read more to learn about how these painful diseases differ:

Pills

OTC and prescription drugs can help both types of arthritis pain.

Which Is More Likely?

Osteoarthritis affects almost 10 times more people than rheumatoid arthritis.

What Causes the Pain?

Osteoarthritis is due to long term wear and tear in your joints, which is the reason that most people tend to get this form of the disease when they are older.

On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disease where your body attacks the joints. It can happen at any age, and even can happen in children and teens.

What About Swelling?

Swelling happens much more often with rheumatoid arthritis, as this symptom occurs usually when the immune system attacks the joint linings. Both types of arthritis cause pain, but rheumatoid arthritis will lead to more swelling and joint stiffness.

What Are Other Symptoms?

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may have other symptoms. These can include fever and fatigue. Try to get a good night's sleep, and plan your activities according to what has to get done, as well as how much energy you have.

If needed, build naps into your day and work with your doctor with an exercise routine that can increase your endurance.

What Are Treatment Options?

Both types of arthritis can be helped with both prescription and non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, resting your sore joints and stretching them with gentle exercises can help.

Some of the other treatment options include heat and cold packs, laser treatment and hydrotherapy. Exercise can often be beneficial for both types too.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you also may take a drug to modify the disease.

Some people with arthritis experience major pain relief with hot and cold therapy. Try our ABH530 Protocold Standard Cold Pad to ice down your sore joints:

ABH530 Protocold Standard Cold Pad