This study was carried out in the Debrecen area of Hungary to compare rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in order to determine which of the two conditions is more crippling. Parameters used in this determination include pain, functional muscle activity and power. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used in this comparison. RA seemed to follow a symmetrical pattern, with the trochanteric region being a common site of both pain and tenderness. RA group confirmed that the pain was usually an early morning phenomenon. OA showed a more variable pattern occurring at any time usually following some form of exertion. In the OA group the scores of HAQ were than in the RA group but the difference between the two groups was not significant. The WOMAC scores revealed disabilities in the OA group. Strong reduction in the ROM of hip joints was revealed in every movement in both diseases without significant difference between the two groups. The muscle strength was lower than normal in both groups without significant difference comparing the two groups. Our findings are in agreement with data from literature with some exceptions.