Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis is degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis is immune mediated

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sylvxxxxxxxxx9,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and there are many known types including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Osteoarthritis is due to increased wear and tear of the joints involved and this usually manifests with advancing age. The person feels joint pain and stiffness early in the morning which gets better in an hour. The joints affected in osteoarthritis are aymmetrical and isolated.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where there is immune reaction to the lining of joints leading to joint disease and destruction. This can affect at any age and there are particular blood tests like RA factor which help in making a diagnosis. The joints affected are symmetrical and follow a pattern of involvement.

X rays of the involved joints are important in confirming an arthritis with clinical tests if required.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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