Osteoarthritis (OA) Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
| Osteoarthritis (OA) | Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
| Develops when the cartilage (cushioning at the ends of bones) breaks down | Develops when the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints |
| Causes pain and stiffness in the joints of the hands, knees, hips, feet or back | Causes inflammation and severe pain in wrists, hands and feet; also causes pain in neck, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips and ankles |
| Is the leading cause of disability in the United States | May cause appetite loss, fever, fatigue, anemia or tissue lumps under the skin |
| Affects over 21 million adults, 16 million are women | Affects over 2 million people, mostly women age 30-50 |
This page last updated 4/26/10 11:16 AM
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