Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis: Episode 57

• In this episode: A brief introduction to Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. They share a few similarities but ultimately are very different processes.

• Chip Review: UTZ “The Crab Chips” (12:46)

• Trivia question of the week: What is the largest freshwater lake in the world? (10:49)

• Follow us on Instagram: 2pts_n_a_bagofchips and/or Twitter @2PTsNaBagOChips to see photos, video and get additional episode specific information throughout the week.

• Thanks for listening!!

To Subscribe, Review and Download select your preferred hyperlink below

Apple Podcasts: 

Google Play: 

Youtube: 

Stitcher: 

Podbean: 

Brief except from the episode:

Osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) this will be a little bit of an overview of the differences between the two, because they do get mixed up at times. Arthritis is Latin for arthros (joint) and itis (inflammation). Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are very different. However, they do share a few similarities early on in their progression.

Arthritis can happen in any joint. Usually osteoarthritis is more common in the large joints and rheumatoid arthritis in the smaller joints.

Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness, tenderness, ROM loss, swelling. Osteoarthritis is pretty darn common; as we age we all end up with it somewhere. This does not mean that it will hurt or limit our activities. What is happening is the cartilage in the joints in wearing down. This is a normal process that occurs with anything that gets used. If you use something by default it gets worn down.

With rheumatoid arthritis you will often experience similar symptoms initially to osteoarthritis. Pain, tenderness, ROM loss, swelling and stiffness, (usually in the AM or after inactivity). These symptoms are often accompanied by fatigue, loss of appetite and fever. RA can also affect the skin, eyes, lungs and heart.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is chronic inflammation of the joint lining. So as that lining is inflamed and irritated the cartilage and bone are surrounded by inflammation that will over time cause them to wear down.

Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder a good portion of its management will be through medication. It is really important to address the systemic issues related to this disease to stop or at least slow down the affects of the chronic inflammation.

Other Episodes you Might Enjoy:

Upper and Lower Extremity Posture: Episode 8

Fall prevention & Balance: Episode 19

Stretching: Episode 25