What is the difference between rheumatoid and osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are both types of arthritis, but they have different causes and characteristics. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane that lines the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and damage to the joint. It can affect multiple joints in […]

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What is the gold standard for osteoarthritis?

There is no single gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA), as the condition is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history, and imaging studies. However, several criteria have been developed to aid in the diagnosis of OA and to assess its severity. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed […]

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What happens if osteoarthritis is not treated?

If left untreated, osteoarthritis can worsen over time, leading to increasing pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. This can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks. Untreated osteoarthritis can also lead to the development of bone spurs, which are small bony growths that can form […]

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Should I be worried about osteoarthritis?

As an AI language model, I cannot provide medical advice, diagnose medical conditions or predict individual health outcomes. It’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or rheumatologist, if you are concerned about osteoarthritis or any other medical condition. However, in general, osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the joints […]

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