Learn More: Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Find out what type of arthritis your joint pain symptoms might indicate
Arthritis is an umbrella name for more than 100 diseases, including lupus, gout, osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), all of which affect a person's joints or connective tissues. But OA and RA are very different diseases, with distinct symptoms and treatments.
Below are just a few joint pain symptoms indicative of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Explore our OA and RA facts, then take our personal health assessment and discover how you can work with your physician to get the relief you need.
| Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis | |
| When it starts | Later in life, usually after age 50 | Usually between age 30 and age 60, but can begin anytime |
| Joints affected | Mostly hips, knees, feet, and spine; rarely affects hands | Tends to affect hands and feet first, but can affect any joints |
| Joint symptoms | Pain, swelling | Pain, stiffness, heat, redness, tenderness |
| Pain symmetry | No; pain often affects only one joint | Yes; usually occurs in joints on both sides of the body (e.g., both wrists or both ankles) |
| Bone symptoms | Bony growths | Erosion of bones in affected joints |
| Blood test results | Normal | Detect inflammation, anemia |
| This sounds like me | Take the free Osteoarthritis Health Assessment for more information and personalized recommendations. | Take the free Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Assessment for more information and personalized recommendations. |
