Understanding the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
October 23, 2025
Arthritis Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
You’ve probably heard the word arthritis used to describe just about any kind of joint pain. But “arthritis” isn’t one single condition — it’s an umbrella term covering over 100 different joint diseases.
The two most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and while they share some symptoms, they’re very different in cause, progression, and treatment.
Understanding which one you’re dealing with helps you make better choices about exercise, medication, and long-term joint care.
Osteoarthritis: The “Wear-and-Tear” Type
What it is: Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage between bones gradually wears down, often due to age, past injury, or repetitive joint stress. It’s a degenerative joint disease, meaning it develops slowly over time. Common signs of osteoarthritis:
Achy or stiff joints, especially after rest
Crunching or grinding sounds (crepitus)
Swelling that comes and goes
Pain that worsens with prolonged activity but eases with rest
Reduced flexibility or range of motion
Joints most often affected: knees, hips, spine, hands, and big toes
Who it affects: OA is more common after age 50 and tends to affect one or two joints at a time, especially those that have worked hardest through life.
What’s happening inside the joint: Cartilage becomes thinner and rougher, forcing bones to rub together. The body tries to repair itself by forming bone spurs (osteophytes), which can lead to stiffness and discomfort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The “Autoimmune” Type
What it is: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease — meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joint tissue. Unlike OA, it’s not caused by wear-and-tear; it’s an inflammatory condition that can affect many joints at once. Common signs of rheumatoid arthritis:
Persistent joint pain and swelling (often symmetrical — both hands, both knees)
Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour
Warmth and redness around joints
Fatigue, low-grade fever, or general malaise
Flare-ups alternating with periods of remission
Joints most often affected: hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles
Who it affects: RA can occur at any age but most often appears between ages 30–60 and is more common in women.
What’s happening inside the joint: The immune system inflames the synovial membrane (the joint lining), thickening it and damaging surrounding cartilage and bone. Without proper management, this can cause permanent deformity or loss of mobility.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Cause
Wear-and-tear on cartilage
Wear-and-tear on cartilage
Onset
Gradual, over years
Gradual, over years
Joints Affected
Usually one or a few
Often symmetrical, multiple
Stiffness
< 30 min in morning
> 60 min in morning
Systemic Symptoms
None
Fatigue, fever, inflammation
Pain Pattern
Worse with activity
Worse after rest or upon waking
Response to Movement
Movement eases stiffness
Movement may reduce but not eliminate pain
Treatment Focus
Strength, mobility, joint protection
Inflammation control + mobility maintenance
How Physical Therapy Helps Both Types
Regardless of which type of arthritis you have, movement is still your greatest ally. Physical therapy provides safe, science-based ways to reduce pain, protect joints, and preserve independence. For Osteoarthritis:
Strength training to support and unload affected joints
Stretching and mobility work to maintain range of motion
Manual therapy and gentle mobilization to reduce stiffness
Gait training to correct compensations (limping, uneven weight shift)
Home exercise program focused on balance, posture, and endurance
For Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Gentle joint-protection strategies during flare-ups
Energy-conservation techniques to prevent fatigue
Adaptive equipment training (jar openers, reachers, ergonomic tools)
Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve circulation
Education on pacing, positioning, and self-management
In both cases, a physical therapist ensures you move safely within your comfort zone — never pushing beyond what inflamed joints can handle.
The Role of Early Intervention
Catching arthritis early means you can slow progression and maintain independence longer.
We often tell our clients: “Don’t wait for your arthritis to get bad enough for surgery — start protecting your joints now.”
A personalized PT plan helps you preserve strength, flexibility, and confidence, so you can keep doing the things that make life meaningful.
When to Call a Physical Therapist
Reach out if you notice:
Joint stiffness lasting longer than 30–60 minutes in the morning
Trouble gripping, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair
Fear of falling or losing balance
Changes in hand or foot shape
Fatigue or “whole-body” soreness that isn’t going away
If you live in the Greater Grand Rapids area, our in-home PT team can evaluate your mobility, recommend joint-specific exercises, and coordinate with your rheumatologist or primary care provider as part of your care team.
Living Well with Arthritis — No Matter the Type
Here’s what we tell every patient: “Arthritis might change how you move, but it doesn’t have to stop you from moving.”
Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis from years of activity or rheumatoid arthritis that flares unexpectedly, the principles are the same: stay consistent, keep moving, and listen to your body.
Even a few minutes of movement a day can help lubricate joints, strengthen support muscles, and reduce pain naturally.
The Vitality At Home Approach
Our therapists specialize in arthritis management for adults 55+ across Grand Rapids. We bring therapy directly to your home, so you can work on real-life goals — walking to the mailbox, cooking dinner, climbing your stairs — without the stress of traveling to a clinic. What we focus on:
Gentle strengthening and stretching routines customized to your pain level
Education on posture, joint protection, and pacing
Real-time feedback to prevent flare-ups
Fall-risk screening and balance training
Our mission: help you feel confident, mobile, and independent — every step of the way.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Arthritis can feel overwhelming, especially when your symptoms don’t fit the “typical” pattern. But you don’t have to guess what’s safe or what works. Our licensed physical therapists will evaluate your joints, movement, and daily activities to create a plan that fits your body — not just your diagnosis.
Call (616) 644-9155 or visit www.vitalityptgr.com to schedule your in-home arthritis mobility evaluation and learn how to manage your arthritis confidently and safely.
Request An Appointment
Please fill out this form and we will contact you about schedule.
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