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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis

Controlling Your Arthritis

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The two main types of arthritis — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — damage joints in different ways.

Osteoarthritis
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint's cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. Enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Questions and answers about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Arthritis/arthritis_rheumatic_qa.asp. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  2. Arthritis advice. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/arthritis-advice. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  3. Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  4. Arthritis: Frequently asked questions — General public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  5. Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  6. Schur PH, et al. General principles of management of rheumatoid arthritis. http://uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  7. Weissman BN, et al. Diagnostic imaging of joint pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  8. Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 26, 2012.
  9. Kalunian KC. Pharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  10. Kalunian KC. Nonpharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
  11. Chronic pain and CAM: At a glance. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/chronic.htm. Accessed Nov. 6, 2012.
  12. Sawitzke AD, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases. 2010;69:1459.
DS01122 Jan. 22, 2013

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