Treatment for these conditions is different so it's important to know which type you have.

Chronic joint pain has a way of making even simple everyday tasks feel harder than they should. And if you've started looking for answers to your joint pain, you may be surprised at the fact that arthritis isn't a single condition. There are 100 different types of arthritis and knowing which type you have is important.

Two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although they share some symptoms, they're actually very different conditions. One is caused by wear and tear on the joints, while the other happens when the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect and what treatments may help.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It happens when the protective cartilage that cushions your joints gradually wears down over time. Without that cushion, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. It usually develops slowly and becomes more common as people get older, although a previous joint injury or years of repetitive movement can also increase your risk.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Instead of wearing down from use, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes ongoing inflammation that can damage joints if it isn't treated.

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis doesn't just affect the joints. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs and heart. The condition can develop at almost any age, although it most often begins in middle adulthood.

How do the symptoms differ?

While both conditions cause joint pain, there are several important differences between these two types of arthritis.

If you have osteoarthritis:

• Pain often gets worse after activity and feels better with rest.
• Morning stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
• Symptoms often affect one joint or one side of the body first.
• Joints may feel stiff, swollen or make a grinding or cracking sound during movement.

People who have rheumatoid arthritis may experience these symptoms:

• Morning stiffness often lasts an hour or longer.
• Pain and swelling typically affect the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both hands or both wrists.
• Fatigue, low-grade fever and feeling generally unwell are common, especially during flare-ups.
• Symptoms may come and go, with periods of worsening inflammation.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms, examine your joints and review your medical history. X-rays can often show cartilage loss and changes in the joint if you have osteoarthritis. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, blood tests that look for inflammation or certain antibodies may be ordered along with imaging tests.

Can both conditions be treated?

While neither condition has a cure, treatments can help reduce symptoms and slow joint damage.

Treatment for osteoarthritis often includes regular exercise and physical therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, pain-relieving medications and joint injections or surgery for severe cases.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis usually includes medications that calm the immune system and reduce inflammation. Starting treatment early can help prevent permanent joint damage.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have joint pain that lasts more than a few weeks, especially if you notice swelling, warmth or prolonged morning stiffness, it's a good idea to have it checked out. The sooner you get the right diagnosis the sooner you can begin treatment to help protect your joints.

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Date Last Reviewed: August 17, 2026

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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