The most common joint pathologies are arthritis and osteoarthritis. The two diseases have many differences, on which the outcome of the disease depends largely. The correct definition of the disease by a specialist doctor is the key to an effective treatment for the complete recovery of the affected joints. Under the influence of age-related changes, each person is at risk of suffering pathological changes in the joints. The joints, which are subject to greater stress throughout life, are especially affected. Diseases can be a direct cause of joint changes. To prevent undesirable consequences of diseases in the joints, it is necessary to prevent the development of the disease, adhering to prevention and treatment measures.
The main differences between arthritis and arthrosis
Joint pathologies: arthritis and arthrosis negatively affect the patient's quality of life. The disease-causing process in the joint causes pain and limited movement. Both diseases lead to destructive changes in the joint structure, but differ in the nature of the origin and the course of the disease.
Arthritis, if compared to arthrosis, is an acute or chronic inflammatory pathology of the joints, which can arise with infections or diseases of an autoimmune nature, become a complication after an injury and also occur with allergic reactions.
Single and multiple joints are affected. In addition, the inflammatory process spreads throughout the body, involving internal organs in the process.
Osteoarthritis is a process of modifying the cartilage, leading to the destruction of the joints until a complete loss of movement, such as arthritis. A pathological process develops due to age-related changes in joint tissues, which are aggravated by the patient's overweight, metabolic disorders and pathologies of the endocrine system.
The causes of arthritis and osteoarthritis differ significantly. The only unifying factor is the similarity of some of the symptoms and the deplorable result of the untreated forms.
Arthritis triggers:
- development of inflammation of the knee joint tissues after trauma of various kinds;
- knee joint infection of viral, fungal and bacterial etiology;
- severe allergies;
- prolonged exposure to cold air;
- lack of vitamins and minerals;
- hereditary predisposition.
The onset of arthrosis differs from arthritis because of the inevitability of changes in all people 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 occurs under the following conditions:
- the wear of the joint components comes from aging;
- the increase in body weight significantly increases the daily load on the knees;
- deforming disorders due to injuries;
- malnutrition;
- arthrosis can be a complication of arthritis, or rather, inflammation, which 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;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- changes in hormone levels;
- polluted environment.
Difference features
These two diseases look similar, but differ in many ways. In the young population, up to forty years old, arthritis is more common and the destructive processes of cartilage tissue affect the elderly, and the older the person, the greater the risk of the disease.
Arthrosis is a disease located mainly in the joints, without spreading to the 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 forms, only arthrosis develops longer and can lead to complete destruction of the joints.
Arthritis shows brighter symptoms, accompanied by external manifestations characteristic of inflammation: hyperemia in the area where the process is located, pronounced edema, hot skin in the area of the affected joint, pain syndrome. Arthrosis occurs more smoothly, without spreading beyond the joint.
Arthritis, in contrast to arthrosis, most often involves small joints in the process: hands, feet, wrist and ankle. The disease rarely affects a joint, polyarthritis is the most common form, and osteoarthritis is located in large joints.
According to statistics, middle-aged men are more likely to develop joint pathology caused by infections and viruses. Processes that deform the joints are more common in the female population during menopause, especially after the age of fifty. Children can also be exposed to joint damage, especially juvenile arthritis is considered dangerous, which can cause limitation.
Signs of manifestation
It is important to consult a doctor at the first symptoms for a successful recovery and restoration of the joints for optimal motor activity. Arthritis and arthrosis 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 initial process.
Dystrophic changes in joint tissues are poorly manifested in the early stage, so patients often seek out an orthopedist when the disease is in the second or third stage of development. In this case, treatment is complicated, time-consuming and many measures are taken to restore normal joint functionality. A lengthy process is difficult to diagnose on your own, but for any manifestation of joint discomfort, just go to the doctor's office to avoid losing the initial stage of the disease.
How does arthritis manifest?
- Unlike arthrosis, in arthritis, swelling appears around the inflamed joint, making it difficult to move and causing many disorders when moving independently.
- In acute inflammation, the skin of the joint becomes hyperemic and warm to the touch.
- If the arthritis is the type caused by an infection. The general condition of the patient suffers, intoxication begins, which is accompanied by a feverish condition.
- Acute pain appears in the inflamed joints, which tends to increase significantly with movement. In a state of calm, the pain syndrome does not cease, but becomes pulsating.
- In most cases, arthritis is accompanied by a general worsening of the condition, weakness appears and chronic diseases are exacerbated.
- The most vulnerable are the joints of the fingers and toes, as well as the ankle and hand.
Arthrosis symptoms
The manifestations of arthrosis do not show characteristic signs in the first years of the disease, the wear and tear of the joint is felt after several stages of the development of the pathological condition.
Signs of arthrosis:
- the pain does not appear immediately, the pain increases as the condition of the joint worsens;
- in the absence of movement, pain does not arise, the pain syndrome begins to develop upon activation;
- in case of hip or knee injury - gait becomes soft and range of motion is incomplete;
- in neglected conditions, shortening of the lower limb may occur; in the absence of correction, pathologies of the spine may occur;
- when the cartilage tissue is destroyed, the joint loses mobility and a complete joint block occurs;
- pronounced crackling in the joint during physical activity.
How to treat diseases?
Arthritis and arthrosis differ significantly in approach to treatment. Several causes and mechanisms of development of the pathology suggest the initial establishment of the correct diagnosis so that the therapeutic measures are effective.
In order not to start the disease and waste precious time, don't count on the experience of friends and popular recipes.
Disease processes that have a damaging effect on the joints must not run their course. It is important to feel the joy of movement at any age, not only well-being, but also the person's quality of life depends on it.
Treat arthritis
Treatment should begin with identifying the factors that cause inflammation. Determined the nature of the origin of the disease, drugs are prescribed that destroy the pathogen of the pathology. When exposed to pathogenic bacteria, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, which, depending on the severity of the intoxication, are prescribed in the form of pills or injections. Viral lesions are treated with antiviral pills.
The basis for the effective removal of inflammation and suppression of pain will be the mandatory intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They will help to deal with unwanted symptoms, both when taking pills and the local effects on the painful joint area.
Strengthening the immune system is the basis for successful disease control. Taking micronutrient multivitamins will support a weakened body and help to change 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 a special diet are indicated for patients with arthritis, as well as with arthrosis. The permitted products include fermented dairy products, lean meats, fish, vegetables, herbs. You will have to give up strong coffee and black tea, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
Physiotherapeutic exercises and procedures provide excellent results in combination with the main therapy: treatment with pulsed magnetic field, radon baths, electrophoresis and other methods. The list of special exercises is compiled by a physical therapist, under whose supervision the load is performed.
We treat arthrosis
The disease develops slowly and has a fundamentally different treatment, which should aim to restore the cartilage tissue 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 the repair of cartilage, as well as increased production of joint fluid, which serves as the sole source of nutrition for joint components.
When pain occurs, NSAIDs are recommended for the symptomatic treatment of pain. Strengthened nutrition, giving up alcohol and smoking lead to increased body resistance and increased strength to fight for healthy joints.
Therapeutic gymnastics with various methods increases blood circulation in the affected area, moves the joints and increases the trophism. Traditional recipes, tested over the years, are useful as an additional method of alternative medicine.
In the last stages of arthrosis and arthritis, the only solution is the surgical treatment of the joint capsule. The most commonly used method is cartilage transplantation, which can restore mobility to the affected joint.
How to define a disease?
To find out exactly which disease develops in the joints, you need to make an appointment with an experienced orthopedist. At the first meeting, the doctor will do a visual examination and ask questions of interest that will help to form a picture of the disease.
Differentiating between arthritis and osteoarthritis will help with the results of laboratory blood tests, which will require general and biochemical tests. The X-ray examination will help to examine the joint in detail.
In some pathologies, the patient is referred to an MRI exam, which will answer the doctor's doubts regarding the diagnosis of the pathology. After collecting all the results, a diagnosis will be made, which will serve as a basis for prescribing the treatment.
Preventive measures
Keeping your joints healthy requires a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition and regular exercise will prolong the life of your joints, which is important for overall health.
At the slightest manifestations of arthrosis or arthritis, in no case should you be treated. Inappropriate actions can negatively affect the outcome of the disease. The timely referral to a specialist and subsequent adherence to consultations guarantee the success of the treatment, which will enable a healthy life.