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Is osteoarthritis and R A treated differently.. medicine wise.. this is all new to me.... thank you

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Rancho Cordova, CA
February 5, 2023
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

I have OA and RA. Both are arthritis, but how it's caused are different. OA is wearing down of the joints mainly due to age. RA is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, but can also get into internal organs. If you have both, each one can make the other worse. Some medicines help both, but not all treatments are the same. I get gel shots in my knees every 6 months for OA. Steroid shots can be injected in any joint to get inflammation down. I take a biologic, Enbrel, for RA and also use Diclofenac gel. I take pain meds for both. Do you have both?

February 6, 2023
A myRAteam Member

They can be treated with some of the same meds, yes! Find a good Dr tho, that makes a big difference!! I have RA/OA & AS & there are similar treatments!!! Best of luck;) Have a good night...😴

February 5, 2023
myRAteam

Yes, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are treated differently in terms of medication:

- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These are the mainstay of RA treatment. They modulate the immune system to control inflammation and prevent joint damage.
- Biologics: Show Full Answer

Yes, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are treated differently in terms of medication:

- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These are the mainstay of RA treatment. They modulate the immune system to control inflammation and prevent joint damage.
- Biologics: These target specific elements of the inflammatory pathway and are used if DMARDs are not sufficient.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive Therapies: Such as methotrexate, to reduce immune system activity.

- Osteoarthritis (OA):
- NSAIDs: Used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesics: Such as Tylenol, which have good pain-relieving properties with fewer risks of adverse events.
- Topical NSAIDs: Like diclofenac gel, which can be applied directly to the affected joints.
- Joint Injections: With hyaluronic acid derivatives for temporary relief.
- Assistive Devices: Such as orthotics and canes to help with mobility.

Both conditions benefit from lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss, proper nutrition, and stress management.

July 29, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Hi Tiena, yes ... I have RA/OA & AS! Not fun at all, but ... I manage!! Topical gels & creams dn't work for me, wish they did. Hope you have a good day!!! Enjoy...😊

February 6, 2023
A myRAteam Member

Thank you.. you have been very helpful

February 5, 2023

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