Bridging Inflammation and Degeneration: Exploring Knee Osteoarthritis Within Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are two prevalent joint conditions that often cause similar knee pain, swelling, and stiffness, but with different underlying mechanisms—RA is driven by autoimmune inflammation, while OA results from cartilage degeneration. This article explains the overlaps and key distinctions between RA and OA symptoms, discusses why diagnosis can be challenging, and highlights how new advances in imaging and biomarkers are improving early detection. It also explores innovative treatments for both conditions, including biologics for RA and regenerative therapies for OA, underscoring the importance of tailored management to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
