Arthritis - Osteo vs Rheumatoid

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease linked to mechanical wear and tear of the joint. It is often associated with repeated movements due to work, sports, activities, etc. This repetitive mechanical stress leads to a progressive degeneration of the cartilage, which can leave fragments floating in the joint itself until it affects the physical structure of the bone. This painful condition develops over several years and is typically worsened by movement and alleviated by rest or modified workload. Morning stiffness may be felt, which decreases after about fifteen minutes. It mainly affects individuals aged 50 and over, but in recent years, with the popularity of certain sports, for example, cases of osteoarthritis can be seen in a younger population. The chronicization of osteoarthritis can add an inflammatory factor to the disease. Pharmacological treatments often aim to relieve and manage pain. Sometimes surgery, such as partial or complete joint replacement, may be necessary.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory disease that tends to affect joints bilaterally. It is also known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Due to its inflammatory nature, this disease can be systemic and have manifestations elsewhere than in the joints, such as in the skin, heart, and lungs. The precise cause of arthritis is not yet known, but there may be genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors involved. There could also be an autoimmune component. Arthritis differs from osteoarthritis in its presentation of pain. In the case of RA, pain is increased at rest and decreased with activity. Morning stiffness lasts for more than 30 minutes and is often accompanied by a sensation of warmth and swelling in the affected joints. An important point to note is that arthritis often presents bilaterally. Pain tends to increase during humid and gray weather. Medications are often prescribed, including corticosteroid injections, up to surgery for joint replacement.

How can we help?

The onset of OA can be due to many factors, including overuse of the joint itself, poor mouvement mechanics and muscular imbalance. Working with a kinesiologist can help with load management - to help reduce pain and inflammation. The kinesiologist can assess your biomechanics and improve it as well as overall posture and alignment, which will decrease stress on joints, with a personalized exercise program adapted to the individual’s need. Proper strength training will reduce load on the affected joints and also improve balance and coordination, which are often affected with OA. Joint mobility and overall flexibility will also need to be addressed to help improve overall joint function - and prevent stiffness.

It is to note that this strategy will not cure OA, but it will help individuals live a more functional and active life, while reducing discomfort and the progression of the condition.

With regards to RA, even if its cause and progression differs from OA, the strategy remains the same. Exercise will be important to reduce inflammation and pain, strength training to reduce strain on the joints and improve muscle function, coordination and balance and improving overall range of motion to maintain joint mobility. RA can often lead to joint deformity over time, so the emphasis would be placed on balanced exercise and stretching prescription to maintain joint alignment and function. Low-impact activities would be preferred as well to decrease the stress on the inflamed joints.