Karen from Calgary asks: Is it possible to have both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can happen in the same person. Unfortunately, if you have one, it still is possible to have the other as well. It is important for you and your physician to be able to differentiate which joints are affected by which condition. The best way to do this is to describe to your physician which joints are involved and how they feel, while your physician will complete an appropriate physical exam. Further investigations such as blood tests or imaging can be helpful, they are often far from definitive in making a diagnosis on their own.
Making the right diagnosis ensures the right management choices are being made, as treatment for OA and RA are different. To learn more about OA and RA and treatment options, please click on the highlighted links above.
Posted: November 19, 2017
Tagged: investigation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis