Determining whether joint pain is due to osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) hinges on recognizing their distinct characteristics and symptoms. OA, often associated with aging, results from wear and tear of the cartilage, leading to joint pain primarily during or after movement and tends to affect the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms generally focus on one set of joints and intensify over time. Conversely, RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It can occur at any age and typically affects joints symmetrically (for example, both knees or both hands), often with symptoms like morning stiffness lasting longer than thirty minutes, generalized fatigue, and warm, swollen joints. While a physical examination and patient history are crucial, definitive diagnosis may require blood tests for specific markers and imaging studies to observe the extent of joint damage, helping differentiate between OA and RA.