What's the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is wear-and-tear cartilage loss — most common, usually one-sided or asymmetrical, pain worse with activity, morning stiffness under 30 minutes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is autoimmune — the immune system attacks joints, usually symmetrical (both hands, both feet), morning stiffness over an hour, plus fatigue. RA needs urgent rheumatology referral because early DMARDs prevent joint damage.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
When would you pick Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Older, wear-related pattern; specific joints; activity-related; imaging shows joint space narrowing.
When would you pick Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Symmetrical joint swelling; long morning stiffness; fatigue; blood tests show inflammation (ESR, CRP, RF, anti-CCP).
What should I be careful about?
You can have both. If new symmetrical joint swelling develops, see your GP within 6 weeks — early RA treatment is time-critical.