I had an x ray done which showed osteoarthritis. can you actually tell the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis on an x ray? are they 2 different things and have 2 separate treatments? i was told physical therapy may help?

Classical feature of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be distinguished on x-ray. Do give physical therapy a try. It is safer than taking medications. Wish you good health!

Osteoarthritis is considered basically a wear and tear loss of cartilage in various joints while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory destruction of joints, especially of the hands,wrists an knees. Early treatment with appropriate medications prevents severe destruction & deformity of the joints as well as induces remissions. RA is best treated & followed by a rheumatologist.