What Are Osteoporosis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. Its a degenerative joint disorder, which means it occurs due to deterioration over time.
It involves chronic inflammation of bones and joints due to degenerative changes in cartilage. This means that as your cartilage breaks down with age, moving your joints becomes more painful. Osteoarthritis inflammation is one of the more painful effects of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks non-threatening elements of the body. It sees the material surrounding your joints as a threat, so it attacks and breaks it down. As a result, fluid builds up in the joints, causing swelling, pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Roughly 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis.
Explain The Pain Is It Osteoarthritis Or Rheumatoid Arthritis
If opening jars becomes more difficult because of painful hands, or if climbing stairs produces pain in your knees, “arthritis” is often the first thing that comes to mind. The two most common forms of arthritisosteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritiscan cause similar aches and pains, but there are a few key differences between them. For example:
Onset. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage wears away. Pain occurs when bone rubs against bone. This type of arthritis pain tends to develop gradually and intermittently over several months or years.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting 27 million Americans. Many people believe it’s a crippling and inevitable part of growing old. But things are changing. Treatments are better, and plenty of people age well without much arthritis. If you have osteoarthritis, you can take steps to protect your joints, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility all of which are detailed in this report. If you don’t have osteoarthritis, the report offers strategies for preventing it.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition in which your immune system attacks the tissues in your joints. It causes pain and stiffness that worsen over several weeks or a few months. And joint pain isn’t always the first sign of rheumatoid arthritissometimes it begins with “flu-like” symptoms of fatigue, fever, weakness, and minor joint aches.
Treatment Of Op In Ra: A Practical Guide
Despite the effective treatment options available nowadays compared with 23 decades ago, RA patients still suffer from an increased risk for fractures . One of the most threatening reasons for the high incidence of fractures, next to aging, and the low adherence of osteoporotic drugs, is the ongoing use of corticosteroids, resulting in GIOP. Although the observation that GC use in early and active RA may not diminish BMD levels , ongoing GC use, even at low doses, is associated with an elevated fracture risk .
To prevent new fractures in RA patients, the following steps may help to identify high-risk OP patients, and may serve as a practical guide for OP treatment in RA.
In our opinion, three measures should be taken into account in the management of OP, as summarized in Table 1: general measures, RA disease-related factors, and OP-related factors.
Table 1 A practical guide for fracture risk management in RA patients
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Oa Symptoms Include Joint Pain
With OA, disintegration of cartilage triggers the release of chemicals that cause pain, says Dr. Askari, but usually not much redness, warmth, or swelling. The pain may feel achy or throbbing and typically acts up with movement, getting worse toward the end of the day, says Dr. Askari. Many OA patients also experience joint stiffness after waking up in the morning, or after sitting for prolonged periods, but that usually fades within 30 minutes, says Dr. Ashany.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, the membranes around his or her joints become inflamed and release enzymes that cause the surrounding cartilage and bone to wear away. In severe cases, other tissues and body organs also can be affected.
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis often experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints, especially those in the hands and feet. Motion can be limited in the affected joints, curtailing ones ability to accomplish even the most basic everyday tasks.
The disease occurs in all racial and ethnic groups, but affects two to three times as many women as men. Rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly found in older individuals, although the disease typically begins in middle age. Children and young adults can also be affected.
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Something Is Changing In Osteoporosis Associated With Ra
Interestingly, a decrease in the prevalence of OP and fractures has been described in the last 10 years, likely due to improved therapeutic options that have allowed rheumatologists to lead more RA patients to remission .
Most of the information comes from TNFi, which have been associated with a reduced number of fractures and improvement of BMD in both vertebral and non-vertebral anatomical locations . Regarding bone turnover markers, the results of the studies were quite consistent, often showing an increase in bone formation markers along with a decrease in bone resorption ones . Less often, they showed either a decrease in bone resorption with stabilization of bone formation , or stabilization of bone resorption and increased formation . A recent paper showed, in patients with early RA treated with TNFi , that bone turnover markers and Wnt/B-catenin pathway inhibitors may change quickly after starting therapy, with a decrease in carboxy -terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen , an increase in PINP and the decrease in DKK-1 and sclerostin, already evident from the first week of therapy .
Finally, most information about DMARDs reflects a non-deleterious effect on BMD, especially with methotrexate , although in another study, leflunomide was the only DMARD associated with significant increase in lumbar spine BMD without differences in femoral neck .
How Ra Can Cause Osteoporosis
Inflammation: People with RA can have inflammation all over the body,especially in joints. Their joints can swell and break down. This can alsoweaken the bones associated with the joints that RA affected.
Your body continuously make new bones for replacing the bonesthat are breaking down. But RA will interfere with this cycle and it reducesthe making of bones and speeds up the bone loss. This will cause your bones toget weaker, eventually leading to osteoporosis.
Also, the inflammation caused by RA can make it difficult foryour body to absorb minerals and other nutrients that are required for bonehealth.
RA can reduce your mobility: Rheumatoid arthritis can make your joints stiffand achy. It can also cause you tiredness. Therefore, your physical activitieswill be reduced. You may not be able to indulge in activities like walking,running, etc., that help to keep your bones strong. Lack of exercise will makeyour bones weaker over time. Hence, this can lead to osteoporosis.
Steroid drugs: Some of the drugs you use to treat RA can also become one ofthe osteoporosis causes. Using such drugs for a long time will reduce thestrength of your bones. These drugs can make it difficult for your body toabsorb elements like vitamin D and Calcium etc. that are essential for yourbones. This can deteriorate your bone health, thereby leading to osteoporosis.
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Are Rheumatoid Arthritis And Osteoporosis Related
Osteoporosis Causes
As you may already know, osteoporosis is a condition whereyour bones will get weaker and become prone to damage and fractures easily. Asyou age, the production of bone tissues in your body will decrease, hence, itcannot cope up with the loss of bone mass. Therefore, your bone density willdecrease causing your bones to weaken. This is a common condition that is foundin people when they age.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another disease that also comeswith age. Even though RA can be caused by some other reasons, it is usuallyfound in old people. This is a disease that is associated with the joints.People with RA can have swelling, pain, inflammation etc. in their joints.
Most people are aware of both osteoporosis and rheumatoidarthritis, but what they do not know is that RA can become a risk factor forosteoporosis. Among the other osteoporosis causes, RA can be a prevalent factorwhich can worsen this condition. Hence, if RA leads to osteoporosis, suchpatients will have to take osteoporosis treatment in addition to RAmedications.
What Is The Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis And Osteoarthritis
Many people use the term arthritis interchangeably to describe the symptoms and causes of progressive joint deterioration and pain. However, there are several different forms of arthritis, which result in inflammation of the joints and results from a number of causes depending on the type. The most common form is osteoarthritis , and is generally caused by aging and the resulting wear and tear on the joints, most commonly those of the knees and hips. It can also result from a traumatic impact suffered from a car accident, a fall, or from an old sports injury. Arthritis treatment offered by Los Angeles rheumatologist Dr. Susan Baker can make a major difference in everyday life and comfort.
Another common form, known as rheumatoid arthritis , is actually an autoimmune disorder which occurs when the bodys own immune system targets healthy tissue. Both can lead to cartilage loss and permanent joint damage, which can cause chronic pain and affect proper function and mobility of the joint.
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Key Difference Arthritis Vs Osteoporosis
Arthritis and osteoporosis are two common conditions that especially affect the elderly. They have become a major concern for health care professionals. In simple terms, arthritis can be defined as the inflammation of the joints. Osteoporosis is the reduction in bone density that decreases the weight bearing capacity of the bones. Thus, the key difference between arthritis and osteoporosis is that arthritis affects the joints while osteoporosis affects the bones.
Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systematic condition, which means it can affect other areas of your body including your eyes, heart, and lungs.
Most commonly, however, it affects the joints. It often begins in the smaller joints. You may notice pain, stiffness, and swelling in your fingers at the early stages.
As it develops, you may notice symptoms in ankles, knees, and shoulders. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical, so youll notice it affects both sides of your body simultaneously.
Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis overlap with osteoarthritis, including:
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Stiff joints
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Symptoms feel worse first thing in the morning
Some symptoms that are unique to rheumatoid arthritis include:
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Fever
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Fatigue
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Lumps under the skin near joints
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What Is The Link Between Osteoporosis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is estimated that people with rheumatoid arthritis are 2530 percent more likely to develop osteoporosis than the general population.
This could be due to a combination of the side effects of corticosteroid drugs which include reducing bone density and a lack of mobility. It is also thought that the two conditions could be more directly linked as osteoporosis often develops in the bones closest to arthritic joints.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are concerned about osteoporosis, ask your physician to arrange a scan.
Autoimmune Disorder Vs Degenerative Disorder
RA is an autoimmune disorder, which means your body attacks itself. If you have RA, your body interprets the soft lining around your joints as a threat, similar to a virus or bacteria, and attacks it.
This attack causes fluid to accumulate within your joint. In addition to swelling, this fluid buildup also causes:
- stiffness
- inflammation around your joints
OA, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disorder. People with OA experience a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions their joints. The wearing down of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other. This exposes small nerves, causing pain.
OA doesnt involve an autoimmune process like RA does, but mild inflammation also occurs.
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What You Need To Know About Osteoporosis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis are two very different conditions, with a surprising number of similarities. Both are more likely to affect women than men, and both can lead to symptoms such as pain and deformities.
Additionally, people who have rheumatoid arthritis may be at greater risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. This is due to a combination of medication, lack of mobility, and possibly even as a direct result of the disease.
How To Know The Difference Between Ms And Arthritis
Fact Checked
MS and rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune diseases, and symptoms can confuse even the most seasoned medical doctors. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing the difference between MS and rheumatoid arthritis makes all the difference when it comes to seeking treatment that relieves pain, increases mobility and improves function and quality of life.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Look at and feel your joints. Are they inflamed? Are they sore and red. Are they warm? Such symptoms are common in those who are suffering from arthritis. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain, tender joints, joint swelling and can cause stiffness especially upon waking 2. Individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may see or feel reddened joints and bumps under the skin, especially on the arms. Rheumatoid arthritis causes bone loss, eroded cartilage and a thickening of the synovial membrane. Osteoporosis causes bone spurs, changes in the synovial sac protecting the joint and changes in the thickness of the synovial lining. MS sufferers experience gradually weakening muscles and numbness or tingling sensations that are neural in origin, and not caused by bone loss. Fatigue, partial weakness and vision loss are common, as is trembling and dizziness.
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Study Finds Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis And Osteoporosis
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are two of the most painful diseases that older adults often suffer from. While these conditions are quite different, they can sometimes get lumped into the same category. This is especially true for people who suffer from them to these people, their joints ache, and thats all that matters.
While its true, they are different diseases. Researchers recently found evidence that shows the correlations between these two diseases. This research is in the early stages, and nothing definitive has been set in stone. However, the study is promising and worth the medical communitys consideration. Keep reading to find out more about the details of this research and need-to-know information about both diseases.
Ask About Biologic Drugs That May Actually Boost Bone
While the jury is still out on the extent to which biologics may prevent osteoporosis or fractures, its good to ask your doctor about this as part of the for choosing which medications to take. Dr. Kim, who studied the bone effects of one of these drugs almost 10 years ago , says that more work needs to be done. There are a lot of newer drugs now more than 10 different biologics for RA. All of these agents have different mechanisms, different molecules, and potentially different side effects.
Until we know more about which disease-modifying drugs may be best protective against osteoporosis, the best thing you can do right now is work with your doctor to minimize your osteoporosis risk factors and work to get your disease under control so that you can be more active.
We need to emphasize the risk and work it into the routine care of patients, because the sequelae of osteoporosis fractures are debilitating, says Dr. Wysham. If we wait until someone has a bone fracture, then were just reacting to the problem instead of preventing it.
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Bone Mineral Density As Possible Severity Marker In Ra
Currently, the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies aim at the early detection and treatment of the disease . Indeed, in the PEARL study the implementation of early DMARD treatment in tight control and treat to target strategies have led to prevention of erosive disease and arrest of radiological progression , both due to a better control of the disease and a reduced use of long-term osteopenizing drugs. Furthermore, the decrease of autoantibody titers has probably also contributed to a lower loss of both systemic and local BMD. Therefore, it is important to have prognostic biomarkers that help us better understand disease evolution and detect and treat these patients early and correctly to avoid long-term comorbidities.
The association of RA-related autoantibodies with worse BMD suggests that measurement of bone mass could help to predict prognosis of patients with early arthritis. Regarding this topic, there is evidence that measurement of BMD by dual X-ray radiogrammetry at metacarpal diaphysis in the non-dominant hand of RA patients is associated with disease progression, appearance of bone erosions and even, in some studies, with increased mortality . In addition, DXR is a very sensitive procedure to detect loss of BMD in the hand, which in long-standing RA has been associated with high titers of autoantibodies, mainly ACPA, radiographic progression and the appearance of erosions .
What Characterizes Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is far more commonand generally less debilitatingthan rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas RA typically affects the cervical spine, OA may affect all regions of the spinecervical, thoracic , and lumbar .
Unlike RA, osteoarthritis is not really a disease. It is caused by the natural aging process, and you may have heard it called degenerative joint disease or spondylosis.
In essence, OA is caused by aging. For instance, when an elderly patient develops a swollen, painful joint that causes compression on the spinal cord, we call that osteoarthritis. But some people have osteoarthritis to a more accelerated degree than others. That’s natural, really, because we all age at different rates.
There are a number of specific age-related conditions that can cause osteoarthritis. These include herniated discs and lumbar or cervical spinal stenosis.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, which cushions your joints. When your cartilage begins to wear away, you lose that barrier between the bones of your joints. So your bones then can rub onto one another, which can be very painful.
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