top of page
Search

🦵 Arthritis Explained: Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis

Know the Difference, Symptoms, and Treatment Options at SKNH
Know the Difference, Symptoms, and Treatment Options at SKNH

🩺 What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease — it refers to joint pain or joint disease and includes over 100 types. The two most common types are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) – Age-related “wear and tear” of joints

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation


📊 Comparison Table: Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis

Feature

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Type

Degenerative joint disease

Autoimmune inflammatory disease

Cause

Wear and tear of cartilage over time

Immune system attacks joint lining

Age Group

Usually after age 45

Can occur at any age, often 30–60

Onset

Slow and gradual

Rapid or sudden

Affected Joints

Weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine)

Small joints (hands, wrists, feet), symmetrical

Stiffness

Lasts < 30 mins in morning

Lasts > 30 mins, especially in morning

Swelling & Warmth

Mild

Common and noticeable

Fatigue & Fever

Rare

Common

Joint Deformity

Rare

Common in long term

Gender

Slightly more common in women

3 times more common in women

🤒 Symptoms to Watch Out For

Osteoarthritis:

  • Joint pain during/after movement

  • Bone-on-bone grinding sounds

  • Stiffness after rest

  • Reduced flexibility

  • Bony growths around the joint


Rheumatoid Arthritis:

  • Swollen, red, warm joints

  • Symmetrical joint pain (both hands, both knees)

  • Morning stiffness lasting hours

  • Fatigue, low-grade fever

  • Joint deformities over time


🧪 Diagnosis at SKNH

🔍 Our Investigations Include:

  • X-rays – Show cartilage loss and bone spurs (OA)

  • Blood tests – Rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies (RA)

  • Ultrasound or MRI – Detect early inflammation or joint erosion

  • Joint aspiration – Test fluid inside the joint if needed


🏥 Treatment Options at SKNH

SKNH provides custom treatment based on the arthritis type, stage, and patient condition.


For Osteoarthritis:

✅ Non-Surgical:

  • Pain relievers (paracetamol, NSAIDs)

  • Physiotherapy

  • Joint injections (hyaluronic acid)

  • Weight management

  • Knee or hip braces


✅ Surgical:

  • Joint replacement surgery (hip/knee replacement)


For Rheumatoid Arthritis:

✅ Medical:

  • DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)

  • Biologic injections

  • Corticosteroids for flare-ups

  • Immune system monitoring


✅ Supportive:

  • Diet and supplement counseling

  • Regular blood monitoring

  • Occupational therapy


🍽️ Lifestyle Tips to Manage Arthritis

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Include omega-3 rich food (fish, flaxseeds)

  • Avoid high-sugar and processed food

  • Do low-impact exercises (yoga, swimming, cycling)

  • Use hot/cold packs for temporary pain relief

  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing


🧘‍♀️ Did You Know?

Women with RA often notice more symptoms after childbirth or during hormonal changes. Early diagnosis at SKNH can prevent long-term disability.

💬 Message from SKNH Rheumatology Unit

“Don’t ignore joint pain. Whether it’s age-related or autoimmune, arthritis is treatable — especially when caught early. At SKNH, we combine modern medicine with compassionate care for better joint health.”— Dr. Basanti Maity, Arthritis Specialist, SKNH

📌 SKNH Arthritis Care Services

Service

Available at SKNH

Rheumatologist Consultation

✔️

X-ray & Ultrasound Imaging

✔️

Blood Tests for RA Diagnosis

✔️

Physiotherapy & Lifestyle Coaching

✔️

Joint Replacement Surgery

✔️

Patient Education & Family Counseling

✔️

📞 Contact SKNH Today

Sree Krishna Nursing Home (SKNH)

📍 Narayangarh, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal – 721437

📞 03229-258257 / +91 8327529897

🌐 Website: www.sknh.in


✅ Don’t Let Arthritis Slow You Down


Get diagnosed, get treated, and get moving — with SKNH by your side.

Comments

bottom of page