Autoimmune vs. Degenerative

Autoimmune vs. Degenerative Disease

Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means your body attacks itself. The target is the synovium, the soft lining around the joints. The immune system sees the synovium as a threat similar to a virus or bacteria and attacks. As a result, fluid accumulates around the joints. The fluid buildup causes pain, stiffness, tenderness and inflammation.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease. People with OA experience a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints. The wearing down of cartilage causes your bones to rub against each other, which accounts for pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis does not involve the immune system as in the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis.