The most common joint pathologies are arthritis and osteoarthritis. The two diseases have many differences, on which the outcome of the disease largely depends. The correct definition of the disease by a specialist doctor is the key to effective treatment for the complete recovery of the affected joints. Under the influence of age-related changes, every person has a risk of pathological changes in the joints. The joints, subject to increased stress throughout life, are particularly affected. Diseases can be a direct cause of joint changes. To avoid the undesirable consequences of diseases of the joints, it is necessary to prevent the development of the disease by adhering to preventive and therapeutic measures.
The main differences between arthritis and osteoarthritis
Joint pathologies: arthritis and osteoarthritis negatively affect the patient's quality of life. The pathogenic process in the joint causes pain and limitation 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, if we compare it with osteoarthritis, is an acute or chronic inflammatory pathology of the joints, which can appear with infections or diseases of an autoimmune nature, become a complication after injury, and also occurwith allergic reactions.
Both 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 cartilage modification, leading to the destruction of the joints until the total loss of movement, like arthritis. A pathological process develops in view of the age-related changes in the joint tissues, aggravated by the overweight of the patient, metabolic disorders and pathologies of the endocrine system.
The causes of arthritis and osteoarthritis differ greatly. The only unifying factor is the similarity of some of the symptoms and the deplorable outcome of the untreated forms.
Arthritis triggers:
- development of inflammation of the articular tissues of the knee after trauma of various kinds;
- infection of the knee joint of viral, fungal and bacterial aetiology;
- severe allergies;
- prolonged exposure to cold air;
- lack of vitamins and minerals;
- hereditary predisposition.
The onset of osteoarthritis differs from arthritis in the inevitability of changes in every 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 seal components is due to aging;
- increasing body weight significantly increases the daily load on the knees;
- distorting disorders due to injury;
- malnutrition;
- osteoarthritis can be a complication of the arthritis, or rather the inflammation, which is present in this disease;
- autoimmune pathologies of unexplained aetiology;
- congenital pathologies associated with the joints;
- violation of trophism and blood supply to the joint;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- changes in hormonal levels;
- polluted environment.
Functionality differences
These two illnesses appear similar but differ in many ways. Among the young population, under 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 disease.
Osteoarthritis is a disease 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 forms, only osteoarthritis develops longer and can lead to complete destruction of the joints.
Arthritis has clearer symptoms, which are accompanied by characteristic external manifestations of inflammation: hyperemia in the area of localization of the process, severe swelling, warm skin in the area of the affected joint, pain syndrome. Osteoarthritis proceeds more easily, without spreading beyond the joint.
Arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis, most often involves small joints in the process: the hands, feet, wrists and ankles. The disease rarely affects a 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 due to infections and viruses. The processes that deform the joints are most common in the female population during menopause, mainly after their fifties. Children can also be exposed to joint damage, especially juvenile arthritis is considered dangerous, which can lead to limitation.
Signs of manifestation
It is important to see a doctor at the first symptoms for successful joint recovery and restoration for optimal motor activity. Arthritis and osteoarthritis differ greatly in the initial period of the disease. Inflammation is manifested by the severity of the symptoms, for which it is easy not to miss the onset process.
Dystrophic changes in the tissues of the joint are poorly manifested at the initial stage, which is why patients often turn to an orthopedist when the disease is in the second or third stage of development. In this case, the treatment is complicated, time consuming and requires many measures to restore the normal functionality of the joints. A slow process is difficult to diagnose on your own, but for any manifestation of discomfort in the joint, you just need to go to the doctor, so as not to miss the initial stage of the disease.
How does arthritis manifest?
- Unlike osteoarthritis, with arthritis swelling appears around the inflamed joint, hampering movement and causing a lot of inconvenience when moving independently.
- With acute inflammation, the skin of the joint becomes very hyperemic and hot to the touch.
- If arthritis is of the type caused by infection. The general condition of the patient suffers, intoxication begins, which is accompanied by a feverish state.
- A piercing pain appears in the inflamed joints, which tends to increase dramatically with movement. In a calm state, the pain syndrome does not go away, but becomes pulsatile.
- In most cases, arthritis is accompanied by a general worsening of the disease, weakness appears, and chronic diseases are exacerbated.
- The most vulnerable are the joints of the fingers and toes, as well as the ankle and the hand.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Manifestations of osteoarthritis do not have characteristic signs in the first years of the disease, wear and tear on the joint is felt after several stages of development of the pathological condition.
Signs of osteoarthritis:
- the pain does not appear immediately, the pain increases as the condition of the joint worsens;
- in the absence of movement, pain does not occur, the pain syndrome begins to develop upon activation;
- if the hip or knee joint is injured - gait becomes sluggish and range of motion is incomplete;
- under neglected conditions, shortening of the lower extremity may occur, in the absence of correction, pathologies of the spine develop;
- when cartilage tissue is destroyed, the joint loses mobility and complete blockage of the joint occurs;
- pronounced crepitus in the joint during physical activity.
How to treat diseases?
Arthritis and osteoarthritis differ considerably in approach to treatment. Various causes and mechanisms of the development of pathology suggest the initial establishment of the correct diagnosis in order for therapeutic measures to be effective.
In order not to trigger the disease and waste valuable time, do not rely on the experience of friends and folk recipes.
Pathological processes that have a detrimental effect on the joints should not be allowed to flow. It is important to feel the joy of movement at any age; not only the well-being, but also the quality of a person's life depends on it.
Treat arthritis
Treatment should begin by identifying the factors responsible for the inflammation. After determining the nature of the origin of the disease, drugs are prescribed to destroy the pathogen of pathology. When exposed to pathogenic bacteria, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, which, depending on the severity of the poisoning, are prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. Viral lesions are treated with antiviral pills.
The basis for effective elimination of inflammation and pain relief will be compulsory intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They will help to cope with unwanted symptoms, both when taking pills and local effects on the painful joint area.
Strengthening the immune system is the basis for effective disease control. Taking multivitamins with micronutrients will support a weakened body and help move 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 osteoarthritis. Permitted products include fermented dairy products, lean meats, fish, vegetables and herbs. You will have to give up strong coffee and black tea, carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
Physiotherapy and physiotherapy procedures give excellent results in combination with the main therapy: treatment with a pulsed magnetic field, radon baths, electrophoresis and other methods. The list of special exercises is drawn up by a physiotherapist, under whose supervision the load is carried out.
We treat osteoarthritis
The disease develops slowly and has a fundamentally different treatment, which should be aimed at restoring the cartilage tissue of the joint. The real salvation will be the use of chondroprotectors, which, with prolonged use and following the recommendations of the doctor, can prevent the progression of destructive changes and restore damaged cells.
Chondroprotectors support tissue nutrition and promote repair of cartilage, as well as increased production of joint fluid, which is the only source of nutrition for the components of the joint.
In case of pain, NSAIDs are recommended for the symptomatic treatment of pain. A fortified diet, giving up alcohol and tobacco leads to an increase in the resistance of the body and an increase in strength to fight for healthy joints.
Therapeutic gymnastics using various methods increases blood circulation in the affected area, moves the joints, increasing trophism. Traditional recipes, tested over the years, are useful as an additional method of alternative medicine.
In the later 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 mobility to the affected joint.
How to define a disease?
In order to determine exactly what disease is developing 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 form a picture of the disease.
Laboratory blood test results will help differentiate arthritis from osteoarthritis, which will require general and biochemical testing. X-ray examination will help to examine the joint in detail from the inside.
In some pathologies, the patient is referred for a magnetic resonance examination, which will provide answers to the doctor's questions regarding the diagnosis of the pathology. After collecting all the results, a diagnosis will be made, which will serve as the basis for prescribing treatment.
Preventive measures
Keeping your joints healthy requires a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition and regular exercise will prolong the life of the joints, which is important for overall health.
At the slightest manifestation of osteoarthritis or arthritis, you should under no circumstances be treated yourself. Inappropriate actions can negatively affect the outcome of the disease. Timely referral to a specialist and keeping appointments ensures successful treatment, which will lead to a healthy life.