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Osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis

Illustration showing difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints. With rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane that protects and lubricates joints becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Joint erosion may follow.

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