Final answer:
The question refers to pseudogout, an inflammatory arthritis characterized by rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent crystals, which is different from rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves anti-inflammatory medications, DMARDs, and possibly surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the presence of rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent crystals within the joints. This description is indicative of pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease.
Pseudogout is different from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which involves autoimmune mechanisms leading to joint inflammation and destruction, and neither RA nor pseudogout is typically associated with positively birefringent crystals. Treatments for inflammatory arthritis such as RA include anti-inflammatory medications, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and in some cases, surgery. It is important to note that the management of RA involves addressing the autoimmune aspect of the disease as well as the symptoms.