What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Condition analysis:
Both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthrosiscause joint pain, stiffness and limited range of motion, but the two diseases are distinct in their root cause and treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where a person's own immune system attacks their joints, causing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects many joints simultaneously, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet, and is treated with medications to suppress the immune response.

Osteoarthritis, in contrast, is not an autoimmune disease and although the exact causes are not known, multiple potential risk factors have been identified and are outlined below. In a healthy joint, cartilage provides cushioning and a smooth joint surface for motion; in an osteoarthritic joint, as cartilage is irreversibly destroyed and bone abnormalities develop, movement becomes painful and more difficult.

Instructions:
Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. Glucosamine and SAMe show the most promise. Glucosamine, often along with chondroitin, has helped improve pain in some studies, but not in others. Some medical research shows that SAMe, a chemical found in the body, may work as well as some over-the-counter medications, although more research is needed. If you do try supplements, you may need to take them for a month or more before you feel the full effects. People with arthritis also turn to treatments such as acupuncture and massage. Acupuncture has been shown to ease knee pain and improve function. Massage can increase blood flow and warmth to painful joints. Be sure to seek out a skilled practitioner who has experience working with people with arthritis.