It is a common question. Do I have Osteo or Rheumatoid Arthritis ?
What can Help
At the early stages of both diseases this can be a bit harder to self-diagnose but there are a few key indicators:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis generally starts in smaller joints like knuckles and toes joints.
- Osteoarthritis often starts in heavy usage joints such as knee, elbow, and shoulders.
- Both types of Arthritis lead to patient fatigue although for different reasons.
- Both benefit from a healthy diet.
- Both benefit from exercise.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis has ‘hot’ joints whereas Osteoarthritis generally only feels hot after over-use of the joints.
- Ostreo Arthritis generally feels worse the more you use the affected Joint but can feel the best first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.
- Because Rheumatoid Arthritis is an Auto Immune based condition it is much less affected by joint usage and therefore mornings are not necessarily good.
- Rheumatoid Nodules are unique only to Rheumatoid Arthritis and are a fairly positive indication of the condition.
Consult your family doctor to confirm any self-diagnosis as well as treatment.
