What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis

[davitkos]

and severe degenerative osteoarthritis and treatments? I had a car run over me two years ago and since then I have gotten severe osteoarthritis in both of my knees, feet, hips, lower back and hands. I have no synovial fluid left in my knees and rubbing bone on bone. When I get up in the morning, I have to shuffle because my feet will not function. I think that is all I can explain at this time. Thanks

[dmh]

rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immunolgical condition, where the body attacks itself. osteoarthritis (OA) is from age, injuries, overuse, or accidents like yours.OA is treated with pain meds, injections into the joint and similar things, with really degenerated joints eventually being replaced.RA is treated by first trying to get it into remission so the body stops attacking itself, and then dealing with the damage from the disease.Hope that helps.If you are this severe, get a specialist if you dont have one - a rheumatologist is who you need. They are on top of the latest treatments, and there are many, so that hopefully you dont have to suffer too much. A family doctor is just not equipped to treat this best.Good luck.