Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is recognized as the most crippling or disabling type of arthritis. What are the significant differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones that form a joint. Cartilage loss can cause bone to rub on bone in a joint -- a condition that is very painful. Usually osteoarthritis begins in a single joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. The symposium is primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but organs body-wide can be affected as well. Multiple joints are usually involved with rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is mostly a consequence of aging. Water content of cartilage increases while protein composition of cartilage degenerates. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis include:
- joint injury
- repetitive use or stress of joints
- being overweight
- family history/genetics
With regard to rheumatoid arthritis, researchers have worked for years to find the cause of the abnormal autoimmune response associated with the disease. No single cause has been found. Common theories point to a genetic predisposition and a triggering event.
About 70% of patients are confident that the good things about Celebrex outweigh the bad things.
Celebrex is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain.
Celebrex is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, menstrual pain. It is also used in the treatment of hereditary polyps in the colon.
Celebrex may also be used for other purposes not listed.
Celebrex can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Celebrex. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery.
Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
Don’t drink alcohol while taking Celebrex. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Celebrex. Don’t use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many pain medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Celebrex. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication.
