 [ Symptoms ] what is rheumatoid arthritis and how is it different from old age arthritis [ Disease ] rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to turn on itself attacking tissue that normally helps protect and preserve joint function during an ra attack    known as a flare    the immune system sends out a barrage of white blood cells to the affected joint which in turn causes inflammation in the area it is this inflammation that is responsible for the symptoms of ra including joint swelling and pain osteoarthritis also known as old age arthritis or wear and tear arthritis is a natural degeneration of the cartilage between joints that occurs with aging the degeneration can be worsened by overuse or injury but its impact is limited to the affected joints