Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis in the Knee? How to Tell the Difference

Pain, stiffness, sometimes swelling: at first, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in the knee can feel similar. Yet they are two very different conditions, with different causes and different treatments. This article explains the typical differences. It cannot replace a diagnosis, but it can help you talk to your doctor more easily. Only a doctor can say for sure which one it is.

Osteoarthritis: a condition of the joint itself

Osteoarthritis develops slowly in the joint. The cartilage becomes thinner, the bone underneath changes, and the joint becomes stiffer and more sensitive to load. It is more common with age and after old injuries. Often only one knee is affected, or one more than the other. More about this in our article on types of knee osteoarthritis.

Typical signs:

• pain that increases with load, for example when walking, on stairs or after standing for a long time,
• short stiffness in the morning or after sitting, which eases after a few minutes of movement,
• cracking or grinding in the joint,
• symptoms that develop gradually, over months or years.

Rheumatoid arthritis: an inflammatory disease of the whole body

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The body mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints and causes inflammation. It can start at almost any age, and women are affected more often than men. It rarely affects just one knee.

Typical signs:

• several joints are affected, often on both sides of the body at the same time,
• the small joints of the hands and feet are often affected too,
• swollen, warm and tender joints,
• morning stiffness that lasts much longer,
• other symptoms such as tiredness, weakness or a slightly raised temperature.

Why the difference matters

With osteoarthritis, the focus is on movement, muscle strength, body weight and relief in everyday life. With rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment by a rheumatologist is especially important, because today's medicines can calm the inflammation and help protect the joints. That is why it is good to get the right diagnosis early. The doctor will usually ask about your symptoms, examine your joints and, if needed, arrange blood tests and imaging.

When to see a doctor

• if several joints are swollen or painful at the same time,
• if morning stiffness lasts a long time,
• if a joint is red, warm or very swollen,
• if you also feel tired, have a fever or feel unwell.

Our articles on a swollen knee and on when knee pain needs a check-up list further reasons to be careful.

What helps in both cases

Whatever the cause, gentle, regular movement, strong muscles around the knee and good rest usually help. Heat often feels good on stiff joints, while cold can calm an acute, hot flare. A soft knee sleeve can give a pleasant feeling of support during the day. During an acute inflammatory flare, follow your doctor's advice. You will find an overview of the options for osteoarthritis in our article on knee osteoarthritis treatments.

A sleeve you will actually wear

The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:

• soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
• fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
• does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
• wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night

With 60 days to get your money back, you have nothing to lose.

See the bamboo knee sleeve →

Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.