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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common types of arthritis, is an inflammatory condition that primarily involves the tissue that covers the joints. This disease progresses over time, and eventually other organs are affected as well. Rheumatoid arthritis is three times more common in females versus males and is prevalent in approximately 1% of the U.S. population. It is important to realize that there are different forms of arthritis other than rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is another common form of arthritis experienced by the elderly.

Often people are confused as to what type of arthritis they suffer from, but osteoarthritis, a "wear-and-tear" form of arthritis that occurs with age, should not be confused with rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis more often affects the larger weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees; whereas rheumatoid arthritis more often affects the smaller joints of the hands, wrists and feet.

Another difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis lies in the duration of joint symptoms. The stiffness in osteoarthritis tends to be brief, lasting just a few minutes. In rheumatoid arthritis, the stiffness is worse after rest, such as the first thing in the morning, and often lasts at least 30 minutes or more. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis has a tendency to affect the knuckles and the wrists -- areas that are usually not affected by osteoarthritis.

A few more ways to differentiate rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritis include the following:

• The joint is swollen or red (suggesting that there is inflammation)
• The joint symptom is associated with systemic features such as fever, general fatigue or body stiffness lasting more than 10 to 15 minutes
• Joints are affected on both sides, rather than one sided
• Special blood tests are positive for auto-antibodies that are often found in rheumatoid arthritis

The presence of any of these findings are more consistent with rheumatoid arthritis.

A final diagnosis, however, does need to be made by a physician. So, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your family physician.

While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, patients can have considerable control over their disease through medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

_Sources:

American Family Physician; Osteoarthritis; Vol. 65/No. 5.

American Family Physician; Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis; Vol. 72/No. 6.