Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but both differ significantly from each other. Often people confuse the both which creates endless arguments and frustrations especially for those suffering the symptoms. Arthritis is usually connected to age but another type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disease. Although people might consider both as one, there are several ways to differentiate rheumatoid from osteoarthritis.