Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive breakdown and wear of articular cartilage. This deterioration leads to roughened joint surfaces, resulting in pain and impaired function. Post-traumatic arthritis, a form of osteoarthritis, can develop following injuries to the cartilage and bone structures within a joint.
In contrast, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that typically affects multiple joints simultaneously. This condition is marked by periods of increased pain and stiffness, often exacerbated after inactivity, accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint areas.