Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid?

Hi ozarker, yes there are many distinct differences between osteo and rheumatoid arthritis the main one being that osteo is due to normal wear on the joint while RA is caused by an immune system reaction that causes the body to attack the joints.

RA can be tested for by looking at a few blood test markers. RA factor is probably the tell tale sign of classic RA but many people test negative for this while having high SED rates and C reactive proteins. These too can indicate RA. This is called sero negative RA.

To my knowledge osteo mainly affects the small finger joints initially and most severely. I am not aware of any tests that can be run for it but someone else may be able to clarify that one.

Post Edited (Don_D) : 2/16/2016 2:42:08 PM (GMT-7)

Im sorry to hear that ozarker. I knew someone who had it pretty severely in her fingers and it was a real challenge for her at times. Heat really helps me with RA when I have a flare up. There are some mitts you can purchase off of amazon that heat up and might help along with some pressure gloves. I use these as well now and then and they help. Here is a link to the hand mitts. Can't do much with them on. I try to just relax a bit when I use them.

www.amazon.com/Conair-True-Heated-Beauty-Mitts/dp/B00DO441JA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1455661264&sr=8-3&keywords=heated+mitts

Would you say this is Rheumatoid Arthritis or "Just" Orto ?

2016_From a post concussion and 3 other severe falls; Spine CT showing chronic compression deformity of L1. Mild cervical spondylosis / stenosis, facet arthropathy throughout lumbar spine, most prominent of L5-S1 with small herniation, Mild atherosclerosis. Mild arthritic changes of the bilateral joints. CT on hip; Lesion on right humeral head near neck junction measuring 8x9 11mm with peripheral sclerosis and smaller similar lesion in intertrochanteric region anteriorly which can predisposed to impingement. Neurogenic bladder. Inflammation from cervical infection. 2015 reflux from hietial hernia , L5 Disc herniation/compression, traversing right S1 nerve root; Synovial lumbar Cyst removed. Adrenal benign tumors, tremors. 2012 Occipital Peripheral Neuropathy- nerve simulator in neck (so no MRI). Poly Neuropathy. PTSD.*2001 neck/spinal Fusions C-5, C7. 1996 Diabetes. I993 inflammation of disc degeneration and neck cervical infection. 3 shoulder surgeries in ' 93 and 1958 to present -complex developmental PSTD. Male-Rotated stomach surgery at birth (scar tissue removed in 2004).
oftener

Thanks jujub for info.
There was graduating pains most of my life but more significant in 2005 starting with my ulna nerves and then spread from there. In 2010 it really spread. By now The pain really limits me. It is getting worse and worse. What does a person do when they see a freight train like this coming?
I am seeing a new neurologist who referred me to Ortho and they are referring me to physical therapy. The otho guy gave me a prescription for a compound that has 6 different meds in it; baclofen, Neurontin, another like baclofen and 3 others. He may next give me a shot and then MAYBE surgery later. He mainly is focusing on my shoulders.