Arthritis is a common condition causing pain and inflammation in joints, but 'arthritis' is actually an umbrella term covering over 100 different conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two of the most common types, but they're fundamentally different. OA is a degenerative 'wear and tear' condition, while RA is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints. Understanding these differences matters because the causes, symptoms, progression, and treatments are quite different. Many people aren't sure which type they have, or assume all arthritis is the same. This guide explains the key differences to help you understand what you might be dealing with.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting millions of people. It's often called 'wear and tear' arthritis because it develops when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually breaks down over time. Without this smooth cartilage, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. OA typically affects weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, as well as hands and spine. It usually develops gradually after age 50, though younger people can develop it following joint injuries. Risk factors include age, previous joint injury, obesity, and family history. You can learn more in our complete guide to osteoarthritis. Importantly, OA is not an autoimmune disease - it's mechanical wear.

Rheumatoid arthritis is fundamentally different - it's an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints (the synovium). This causes inflammation, swelling, and pain that can eventually damage cartilage and bone. RA typically affects joints symmetrically - both hands, both wrists, both knees - rather than just one side. It often starts between ages 40-60 but can occur at any age, including childhood. RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect your whole body, causing fatigue, fever, and weight loss alongside joint symptoms. It typically follows a pattern of 'flares' (when symptoms worsen) and remission (when symptoms ease). Unlike OA, early aggressive treatment can significantly slow RA progression, making early diagnosis crucial.

Seek medical advice if you experience: persistent joint pain lasting several weeks, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling or warmth in your joints, joint symptoms affecting your daily activities, or if your joint pain is disturbing your sleep at night. Early diagnosis is particularly important for rheumatoid arthritis - starting treatment early can prevent joint damage and improve long-term outcomes. Your doctor may arrange blood tests (checking for inflammation markers and rheumatoid factor) and imaging (X-rays or MRI) to determine which type of arthritis you have. Don't dismiss joint pain as 'just getting older' - proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment.

Self-Pay Health can help you find rheumatologists and orthopaedic specialists quickly for private consultations. Treatment differs significantly between the two conditions. OA treatment focuses on pain management, physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. RA treatment aims to suppress the immune system using disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, alongside regular monitoring. For both conditions, early intervention leads to better outcomes. Use our search function to find specialists near you who can provide proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plans.