What Are the Causes of Oa & RA?
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis share a common name, and a common effect, but there is little else that the two share. For example, one is caused by wear and tear, the other is caused by the body attacking itself.
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Osteoarthritis
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The simpler of the two, osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joint. The synovial membrane covering the ends of the bones is worn away through years of repetitive movement until the joint now has bone-on-bone contact. This causes pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints. While the exact causes are not known, scientists have several known factors they look for.
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RA and Smoking
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Studies funded by the Arthritis Foundation has established a link between smoking and rheumatoid arthritis, although more study is necessary to determine how the two are linked.
RA and Infection
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Many scientists believe infectious bacteria or viruses can closely resemble the protein patterns of healthy tissue, essentially confusing the immune system into thinking the healthy joint tissue is a pathogen.
RA and Genetics
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Studies are increasingly focusing on genetics as playing a role in developing rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists have identified several genetic markers, but they have not yet determined how those genes work into the equation.
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References
- A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, 3rd edition; Ruth Werner, LMP, NCBTMB; 2005
- The Arthritis Foundation
