By Dr. Hemant Shivajirao Kshirsagar
Anesthesiologist & Pain Specialist, AnCure Clinic, Pune
Joint pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While
many assume that all arthritis is the same, there are actually multiple types,
each with unique causes, symptoms, and treatments. Two of the most
common forms are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Although both conditions affect the joints and cause pain and stiffness, they
are very different diseases.
At AnCure Clinic, Pune, we specialize in pain management and help patients
understand their conditions better. In this blog, we will explain the key
differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, their symptoms,
causes, and available treatment options.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is primarily caused by
the gradual breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones in the
joints. Over time, this wear and tear leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing
pain, swelling, and stiffness. OA usually develops as a result of aging or
excessive joint use over the years.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
● Aging – The natural breakdown of cartilage over time.
● Joint Overuse – Repetitive movements in daily activities, jobs, or sports.
● Obesity – Excess body weight puts stress on the joints, especially the
knees.
● Past Injuries – Previous fractures or ligament damage can lead to OA.
● Genetics – A family history of osteoarthritis increases the risk.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
● Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
● Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
● Swelling and mild inflammation in affected joints.
● A cracking or grinding sensation when moving the joint.
● Reduced flexibility and range of motion over time.
Joints Commonly Affected by OA
● Knees
● Hips
● Hands and fingers
● Spine (lower back and neck)
Osteoarthritis develops gradually and mainly affects joints that bear weight.
The pain usually starts mild but can become severe if left untreated.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune
system mistakenly attacks the joints. This leads to chronic inflammation,
causing pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis,
which results from wear and tear, RA is caused by an abnormal immune
response that triggers widespread inflammation.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Autoimmune Response – The immune system attacks healthy joint
tissue.
● Genetic Factors – A family history of RA increases the likelihood of
developing it.
● Hormonal Influence – More common in women, possibly due to
hormonal changes.
● Environmental Triggers – Factors such as smoking, infections, or stress
may contribute.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Severe joint pain, swelling, and warmth, often in the same joints on both
sides of the body.
● Stiffness lasting more than an hour, especially in the morning.
● Fatigue, weakness, and unexplained weight loss due to chronic
inflammation.
● Redness and tenderness in affected joints.
● Joint deformities and loss of function over time.
Joints Commonly Affected by RA
● Hands and wrists
● Knees and ankles
● Shoulders and elbows
Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects specific joints due to overuse, RA
can affect multiple joints at the same time and often progresses quickly. It can
also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, heart, and lungs.
Key Differences Between Osteoarthritis and
Rheumatoid Arthritis
One of the main differences between OA and RA is the cause of joint damage.
Osteoarthritis occurs due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage, while
rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune system malfunction.
Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly over many years, while rheumatoid
arthritis can progress rapidly, sometimes within weeks or months. The pain in
OA is worse after activity, whereas in RA, pain and stiffness are often worst in
the morning and improve with movement.
Another significant difference is that OA generally affects specific
weight-bearing joints, while RA often affects the same joints on both sides of
the body.
Additionally, RA can cause fatigue, fever, and overall weakness, as it is a
systemic disease, whereas OA is limited to joint damage.
How Arthritis is Diagnosed
At AnCure Clinic, Pune, we use a combination of tests to determine whether a
patient has OA or RA. Some of the most common diagnostic methods include:
✔ Physical Examination – Checking for joint stiffness, swelling, and
movement limitations.
✔ X-rays & MRI Scans – Identifying cartilage loss, bone damage, and joint
deformities.
✔ Blood Tests – Detecting RA-specific markers such as Rheumatoid Factor
(RF) and anti-CCP antibodies.
✔ Joint Fluid Analysis – Checking for inflammation or infections in the joint.
Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing further joint
damage.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Managing Osteoarthritis
● Pain Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs.
● Physical Therapy – Strengthening exercises to support affected joints.
● Weight Loss – Reducing excess weight to minimize joint stress.
● Joint Injections – Corticosteroid injections for pain relief.
● Surgical Options – Joint replacement surgery in severe cases.
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – Medications that
slow disease progression.
● Biologic Therapies – Advanced drugs that target the immune system.
● Steroids & Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – Reducing pain and swelling.
● Lifestyle Changes – Stress management, a balanced diet, and
low-impact exercise.
● Joint Surgery – In extreme cases, surgery may be required to repair
joint damage.
At AnCure Clinic, Pune, we provide cutting-edge pain management
techniques to help arthritis patients regain their mobility and improve their
quality of life.
How AnCure Clinic, Pune Can Help
At AnCure Clinic, Pune, we specialize in non-surgical pain management for
arthritis patients. Our treatments focus on:
✔ Advanced Pain Management – Customized treatment plans for each
patient.
✔ Minimally Invasive Procedures – Joint injections, nerve blocks, and
radiofrequency ablation.
✔ Multidisciplinary Approach – Combining medication, physical therapy, and
lifestyle modifications.
✔ Expert Care by Dr. Hemant Shivajirao Kshirsagar – A leading pain
specialist in Pune.
If you or a loved one is suffering from joint pain, early treatment is essential to
prevent long-term disability.
📍 Visit Us: AnCure Clinic, Pune
📞 Contact: +91-749889761, +91-9822094249
📍 Address: Tanaji Nagar, PCMC Link Road, Chinchwad, Pune,
Maharashtra – 411033
Conclusion
Both Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) cause joint pain and
stiffness, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Understanding these differences can help you seek the right medical care
early.
At AnCure Clinic, Pune, we provide expert pain management solutions to help
arthritis patients lead a pain-free and active life. If you’re experiencing joint
pain, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today and take control of your
health!
