Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two distinct diseases affecting the joints, and they are frequently confused. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops as a result of the gradual wear and tear and breakdown of joint cartilage over time, linked to factors such as aging, obesity, or joint trauma. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks its joints, leading to chronic inflammation and damage. While both conditions cause joint pain and loss of function, their underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches are significantly different.