ARTHRITIS & JOINT PAIN · DECISION GUIDE · LOGANSPORT, IN
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Tell
Different patterns. Different next steps.
If you’ve been told you have “arthritis,” it’s worth clarifying which kind. This guide explains common OA vs. RA clues—and when it’s smart to pursue further evaluation.
Educational only. Not medical advice. If you suspect inflammatory arthritis or have red flags, consult your primary care provider promptly.
Quick Comparison: OA vs. RA Patterns
These aren’t absolutes—but they’re helpful “directional” clues.
Osteoarthritis (OA) often looks like:
- Joint stiffness that eases as you warm up
- Pain tied to load (stairs, gripping, long walks)
- One or a few joints more than many
- Flare-ups after overdoing activity
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often looks like:
- Longer morning stiffness + persistent swelling
- Multiple joints involved (often both sides)
- Fatigue, feeling run-down, systemic symptoms
- Symptoms that progress without a clear “overuse” trigger
The goal isn’t to self-diagnose—it’s to choose the right next step: conservative load strategy vs. medical evaluation (or both).
When to Pursue Further Evaluation
Consider checking in with your PCP if you notice:
- Visible, persistent swelling in multiple joints
- Morning stiffness lasting a long time, most days
- Symptoms affecting both sides (both hands/wrists, etc.)
- Unexplained fatigue, feverish feelings, or weight changes
- Rapid progression over weeks
Conservative Comfort Steps That Often Help
Whether it’s OA, RA, or something else, these foundations usually support better days:
Load management
Pick the smallest change that reduces flare-ups: shorter walks, fewer stairs trips, larger grips, more breaks.
Low-impact strength
Stable strength improves tolerance. Think: gentle, repeatable, pain-aware—not “go hard.”
Movement variety
Swap long static positions for frequent micro-movement. Your joints like options.
If you’d like, we can evaluate your pattern and build a plan you can actually maintain.
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