Distinguish between Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here are the differences between the two types of arthritis: Gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout and rheumatoid arthritis both lead to arthritis and more or less share the same symptoms. However, the causes, treatment, and some symptoms of both conditions are different.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs in the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees on both sides of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the synovial tissue or lining of the joints. This condition leads to inflammation, stiffness, pain, and swelling. Symptoms usually occur in the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees on both sides of the body. If left untreated, repeated swelling can cause joint damage. Symptoms sometimes start and then go away on their own.

Initially, this condition can cause symptoms such as: fatigue, fever, pain or stiffness in many joints, weight loss. As the disease progresses, it can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, loss of balance, and problems with the lungs, eyes, and other organs. RA usually affects women more than men.

Gout

Gout is another type of arthritis that causes severe pain in the big toe joint of the foot. In some cases, the condition can also affect the top of the foot and ankle. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, gout occasionally attacks other joints of the body. Patients develop gout when uric acid levels in the blood reach dangerous levels. Certain medications and foods can also increase the amount of uric acid in the blood. This condition is more common in men than in women.

Gout is another type of arthritis that causes severe pain.

When an excess of uric acid crystals builds up in the joints, the person may notice the symptoms of gout more clearly. These symptoms may include: Reduced range of motion, swelling, pain (joints hurt more to the touch).

Diagnosis and Treatment of RA and Gout

Before starting treatment, it is important to identify the symptoms of gout and rheumatoid arthritis. To diagnose gout, doctors often order a blood test to measure the amount of uric acid in the blood. Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the signs are similar to many other diseases.

Regarding treatment, patients with gout are prescribed medication and asked to change their diet and living habits. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, medication can help control the condition. In addition to physical therapy (OT), continuous monitoring and surgery are some other options.