Difference between rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis are both diseases that we encounter in reality. Different diseases give us different symptoms and treatments. Only by correctly distinguishing the two diseases can we correctly determine which disease the patient suffers from. If you take some medicines without understanding them, not only will they not have a therapeutic effect, but they may also make the condition worse. So it is crucial to understand the difference between the two.

Whether it is a disease or food, as long as they belong to the same category, they must have similarities, but it needs to be clear that similarity does not mean that they are the same. It is because of some differences that it is divided into several different things. The key is to understand it clearly. So what is the difference between rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis?

Difference between rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis

Different incidence conditions: The age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis is mostly between 9 and 17 years old, with a similar ratio of males to females. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in middle-aged women.

Different causes: Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by streptococcal infection, while rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease of the synovium caused by various reasons.

Different symptoms: Rheumatoid arthritis often affects large joints (knees, elbows, etc.) without causing joint deformities. There are also symptoms of annular erythema, chorea, and carditis. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects small joints (especially the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and wrist joints), as well as other large and small joints, often causing joint deformities in the late stages. Rheumatoid nodules and visceral lesions of the heart, lungs, kidneys, peripheral nerves, and eyes may also occur.

Laboratory tests are different: rheumatoid arthritis has high anti-O, rheumatoid arthritis often has high rheumatoid factor, and CCP and AKA will be positive.

Different treatments: The main focus of rheumatoid arthritis is to eliminate streptococcal infection, while related treatments are also provided for joint pain, carditis, etc. The goal of rheumatoid arthritis is to prevent joint destruction, protect joint function, and maximize the patient's quality of life. Use slow-acting antirheumatic drugs as early as possible. During joint pain and swelling, apply Chinese medicine externally to control pain and other symptoms. Provide relevant treatment when visceral complications occur.

Different prognosis: No joint deformity remains after treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Joint deformities may occur in the late stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

Precautions

Whether due to trauma or unknown causes, pain and stiffness develop quickly and you may be experiencing a rheumatoid arthritis flare. If you experience pain or stiffness in your arms, legs, or back after sitting for a short time or sleeping all night, you may have osteoarthritis or another joint disease. Children who experience pain or rash in the armpits, knees, wrists, or ankles, or who have fluctuating fever, poor appetite, or weight loss may have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Through the above introduction, we understand the difference between rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. They are different and distinct in terms of onset, treatment, symptoms, experiments, etc. Therefore, only by clearly understanding these similar diseases can we better treat them. Only with treatment can our patients recover to a healthy physical condition as soon as possible.