The most common pathologies of the joints are arthritis and arthrosis. The two diseases have many differences, on which the outcome of the disease largely depends. The correct definition of the disease by a medical expert is the key to effective treatment for complete recovery of the affected joints. Under the influence of age changes, every person is at risk of pathological changes in the joints. Particularly affected are joints that are exposed to increased stress during their lifetime. Diseases can be a direct cause of changes in the joints. In order to prevent the unwanted consequences of joint disease, it is necessary to prevent the development of the disease, adhering to preventive and therapeutic measures.
The main differences between arthritis and osteoarthritis
Joint pathologies: arthritis and arthrosis negatively affect the quality of life of the patient. The process that causes joint disease causes pain and restriction of movement. Both diseases lead to destructive changes in the joint structure, but differ in the nature of the origin and course of the disease.
Arthritis, when compared to osteoarthritis, is an acute or chronic inflammatory pathology of the joints, which can occur with infections or diseases of an autoimmune nature, become a complication after injury, and also occurs with allergic reactions.
Single and multiple joints are affected. In addition, the inflammatory process spreads throughout the body, including the internal organs.
Osteoarthritis is a process of cartilage modification, which leads to the destruction of joints to complete loss of movement, such as arthritis. The pathological process develops with regard to age-related changes in the tissues of the joint, which are exacerbated by the patient's overweight, metabolic disorders and pathologies of the endocrine system.
The causes of arthritis and osteoarthritis are significantly different. The only unifying factor is the similarity of some symptoms and the sad outcome of untreated forms.
Arthritis Triggers:
- development of inflammation of the knee joint tissues after trauma of various nature;
- knee joint infection of viral, fungal and bacterial etiology;
- serious allergies;
- prolonged exposure to cold air;
- vitamin and mineral deficiency;
- hereditary predisposition.
An attack of osteoarthritis differs from arthritis in the inevitability of changes in each person of age. Knowing the etiology of the disease, even at a young age, it is possible to adjust the diet and lifestyle to prevent pathology.
Development takes place under the following conditions:
- Wear of joint components occurs due to aging;
- increased body weight significantly increases the daily load on the knees;
- deformity disorders due to injuries;
- malnutrition;
- arthrosis can be a complication of arthritis, more precisely the inflammation that is present in this disease;
- autoimmune pathologies of unexplained etiology;
- congenital pathologies associated with the joints;
- violation of trophism and blood supply to the joint;
- thyroid failure;
- change in hormonal level;
- polluted environment.
Difference features
These two diseases sound similar, but differ in many ways. Among the young population, up to the age of forty, arthritis is more common, and destructive processes of cartilage tissue affect the elderly, and the older the person, the higher the risk of the disease.
Osteoarthritis is a disease that is localized mainly in the joints, without spreading to surrounding organs and tissues. Arthritis can be one of the manifestations of a more serious disease that involves the whole body in the inflammatory process. Both diseases can occur in acute and chronic form, only osteoarthritis develops over a long period of time and can lead to complete destruction of the joints.
Arthritis has more vivid symptoms, accompanied by external manifestations characteristic of inflammation: hyperemia in the area of localization of the process, severe swelling, hot skin in the area of the affected joint, pain syndrome. Osteoarthritis flows smoothly, without spreading beyond the joint.
Arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis, most commonly affects small joints: the hands, feet, ankles, and wrists. The disease rarely affects a single joint, polyarthritis is a more common form, and osteoarthritis is localized in large joints.
According to statistics, middle-aged men are more likely to develop joint pathology than infections and viruses. Processes that deform the joints are most common in the female population during menopause, mostly after the age of fifty. Children can also be exposed to joint damage, especially juvenile arthritis is considered dangerous, which can cause limitations.
Signs of manifestation
It is important to seek medical advice at the first symptoms in order to successfully heal and restore joints for optimal motor activity. Arthritis and osteoarthritis differ significantly in the initial period of the disease. Inflammation is manifested by the severity of symptoms, for which it is easy not to miss the beginning of the process.
Dystrophic changes in joint tissues are poorly manifested in the initial phase, so patients often come to an orthopedist when the disease is in the second or third stage of development. In this case, the treatment is complex, takes a long time and requires numerous measures to restore normal joint function. The sluggish process is difficult to diagnose on your own, but for any manifestation of joint discomfort you just need to go to the doctor so as not to miss the initial stage of the disease.
How does arthritis manifest itself?
- Unlike arthrosis, arthritis causes swelling around the inflamed joint, which interferes with movement and causes a lot of discomfort when moving independently.
- In acute inflammation, the skin on the joint becomes very hyperemic and hot to the touch.
- If the arthritis is of the type caused by infection. The general condition of the patient suffers, intoxication begins, which is accompanied by a febrile condition.
- Penetrating pain occurs in inflamed joints, which tends to increase significantly with movement. At rest, the pain syndrome does not subside, but becomes pulsating.
- In most cases, arthritis is accompanied by a general worsening of the condition, weakness appears, and chronic diseases worsen.
- The most endangered are the knuckles on the hands and feet, as well as the ankle and fist.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Manifestations of arthrosis have no characteristic signs in the first years of the disease, wear and tear of the joint is made known after several stages of development of the pathological condition.
Signs of osteoarthritis:
- pain does not appear immediately, pain increases as joint condition worsens;
- in the absence of movement, pain does not occur, pain syndrome begins to develop by activation;
- in case of damage to the hip or knee joint - the gait becomes sluggish and the range of motion is incomplete;
- in neglected conditions the lower extremity may shorten, in the absence of correction pathologies of the spine develop;
- when the cartilaginous tissue is destroyed, the joint loses mobility and complete joint blockage occurs;
- severe crepitus in the joint during physical activity.
How to treat diseases?
Arthritis and osteoarthritis differ significantly in their approach to treatment. Various causes and mechanisms of pathology development suggest an initial accurate diagnosis in order for therapeutic measures to be effective.
In order not to start the disease and not to lose precious time, do not rely on the experience of friends and folk recipes.
Disease processes that adversely affect the joints must not go their course. It is important to feel the joy of movement at any age; not only the welfare but also the quality of a man's life depends on it.
Treat arthritis
Treatment should begin by identifying the factors that cause inflammation. Having determined the nature of the origin of the disease, drugs that destroy the pathogen of the pathology are prescribed. When exposed to pathogenic bacteria, the patient is prescribed antibiotics which, depending on the severity of the intoxication, are prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. Viral lesions are treated with antiviral tablets.
The basis for effective inflammation removal and pain relief will be the mandatory intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It will help in dealing with unwanted symptoms, both when taking tablets and local effects on the area of the diseased joint.
Strengthening the immune system is the basis for successful disease control. Taking a multivitamin with micronutrients will support a weakened body and help reverse the course of the disease towards recovery. In addition to synthetic complexes, natural sources of vitamins are also useful - berries, fruits, vegetables.
Adequate nutrition and special diet are indicated for patients with arthritis as well as with osteoarthritis. Permitted products include fermented dairy products, lean meat, fish, vegetables, herbs. You will have to give up strong coffee and black tea, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
Physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy procedures give excellent results in combination with the main therapy: magnetic pulse field treatment, radon baths, electrophoresis and other methods. The list of special exercises is compiled by a physiotherapist, under whose supervision the load is performed.
We treat osteoarthritis
The disease develops slowly and has a significantly different treatment, which should be aimed at restoring the cartilage of the joint. The real salvation will be the use of chondroprotectors, which with prolonged use and following the doctor's recommendations can prevent the progression of destructive changes and restore damaged cells.
Chondroprotectors support tissue nutrition and promote cartilage regeneration, as well as increase the production of joint fluid, which serves as the only source of nutrition for joint components.
When pain occurs, NSAIDs are recommended for the symptomatic treatment of pain. An established diet, giving up alcohol and smoking leads to an increase in the body's resistance and an increase in the strength to fight for healthy joints.
Therapeutic gymnastics using various methods increases blood circulation at the site of injury, moves the joints, increasing trophic. Traditional recipes, tested for years, are useful as an additional method of alternative medicine.
In the final stages of osteoarthritis and arthritis, the only solution is surgical treatment of the joint capsule. The most commonly used method is cartilage transplantation, which can restore the mobility of the affected joint.
How to define the disease?
To determine exactly which disease is developing in the joints, you need to make an appointment with an experienced orthopedist. At the first meeting, the doctor will perform a visual examination and ask questions of interest that will help create an image of the disease.
Differentiating arthritis from osteoarthritis will help with the results of laboratory blood tests, which will require general and biochemical tests. An X-ray will help to examine the inside of the joint in detail.
In some pathologies, the patient is referred for an MRI scan, which will provide answers to medical questions regarding the diagnosis of the pathology. After collecting all the results, a diagnosis will be made that will serve as a basis for prescribing treatment.
Preventive measures
Keeping your joints healthy requires a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition and regular exercise will prolong life together, which is important for overall health.
At the slightest manifestation of osteoarthritis or arthritis, you should never treat yourself. Improper actions can negatively affect the outcome of the disease. Timely referral to a specialist and further adherence to scheduled appointments guarantees successful treatment that will enable a healthy lifestyle.