Our joints are complex and reliable mechanisms that nature itself has created. Their work is invisible as long as the joints are healthy. But when they start to hurt, the world loses its former shine. One of the most common joint diseases are arthritis and osteoarthritis. Many people confuse them, and sometimes they do not know anything about the differences, because in both cases the joints hurt. Similar names are also misleading. In this post, we will tell you how arthritis differs from osteoarthritis, about the symptoms of these diseases and the treatment methods. Despite the similarity of names, these are completely different ailments.
What are arthritis and osteoarthritis: the differences
First of all, the diseases differ in names: they both have the same Latin root, but different endings. Already by the designation at the end, you can remember what the difference is between arthritis and arthrosis. The Latin ending "-oz" denotes a degenerative process, destruction. The ending "-it" indicates an inflammatory process. The difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis is obvious: the diseases have a completely different nature and course. But let's understand in more detail what osteoarthritis and arthritis are and what accompanying symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is the result of aging and deterioration of the joint.
Osteoarthritis is the deformation and abrasion of the joint capsule, which allows the joint to move easily. The disease involves structural changes, damage to cartilage, and destruction of its tissues. As a general rule, osteoarthritis occurs after the age of 45-50 and is the result of the body's natural aging process. In people over 60 years of age, the disease is diagnosed in 80% with complaints of pain in the legs.
In young people, osteoarthritis most often develops as a post-traumatic phenomenon, for example, after fractures and bruises. It is often diagnosed in professional athletes.
Osteoarthritis often affects the knee, ankle and hip joints, that is, those that suffer the most daily stress. Musicians often suffer from wrist and finger joints. By itself, osteoarthritis progresses slowly, therefore, in the early stages, the symptoms are less pronounced.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis.
the main symptom is pain, which manifests itself during movement and after physical exertion. As a general rule, the pain in osteoarthritis is painful, not very strong and disappears at rest, in a comfortable position;
Frequent cracking - a deep sound that occurs as a result of rubbing the bones;
the stiffness of the movements is local, only the movement of the diseased joint is disturbed;
appearance: there may be a deformation of the cartilage, in the later stages - slight swelling.
Types of osteoarthritis
Primary: arises as a result of the natural aging process of the joint.
Secondary: develops in the context of trauma, as a post-traumatic manifestation.
Arthritis is a serious disease of the body.
Although osteoarthritis is generally diagnosed in people over the age of 45, arthritis can occur at any age. As we said, it is an inflammatory process that takes place in the joints, but affects the entire body at the same time. The disease is associated with dysfunctions in the immune system.
Why do the joints hurt? The point is that the immune bodies produced in this disease attack the joints. Therefore, with arthritis, any joint can hurt: several at a time or just one. Arthritis most often appears after severe stress, anxiety, against the background of decreased immunity and hypothermia, as well as as a result of metabolic disorders.
Symptoms of arthritis
pain in arthritis, in contrast to pain in osteoarthritis, decreases during movement, but increases and becomes chronic at rest. Most often, the pain intensifies at night or in the early hours of the morning, during rest;
the joints swell, there is swelling, swelling, painful palpation;
the joint area becomes red and warm;
an inflammatory reaction is observed in blood tests;
stiffness throughout the body, stiffness of movement;
the appearance of dense nodules in the joint area.
Arthritis is also often accompanied by such manifestations:
Dry Eye;
weakness, chills, drowsiness;
psoriasis;
climate dependence.
Types of arthritis
Depending on the nature of the disease, arthritis is divided into 2 types: inflammatory and degenerative. They, in turn, are also divided into types.
Inflammatory arthritis can be:
infectious - inflammation in the joints caused by microorganisms that have entered the synovial fluid;
rheumatoid - an inflammatory process that affects the connective tissues around the joint, as well as many organs;
reactive - develops as a result of infection;
Gout is an inflammation of the joints associated with an increase in uric acid in the blood and, as a result, with the deposition of salts.
It happens degenerative:
traumatic;
osteoarthritis.
What is more dangerous: arthritis or arthrosis?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Because both diseases, without timely treatment, can cause a total loss of movement ability. Osteoarthritis can be a consequence of arthritis. But long-term osteoarthritis can also lead to arthritis.
Treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis: characteristics.
Pain in the joints deprives a person of the simplest joys: an ordinary walk, the opportunity to fully rest, freedom of movement. However, it is not always possible to recognize in time an alarming manifestation in this symptom. Often people think that this is a temporary phenomenon and try to get rid of the pain faster: they self-medicate, take medication or use folk methods. But, having received short-term relief, they do not know the main thing - the causes of the disease. Therefore, the disease worsens and takes on more serious and neglected forms.
The main recommendation of doctors is not to delay visiting a specialist. Only a thorough examination and treatment will help avoid serious consequences. Here the opportunity to live and move fully is at stake.
Osteoarthritis is treated by orthopedists, neurologists, and rheumatologists. The main method is to reduce the load on the diseased joint, increase the elasticity of the tissue, and strengthen the muscles. In more severe cases, special injections with hyaluronic acid, which helps to lubricate the joint, are prescribed, or a so-called arthroplasty is performed.
However, a remedy that fully restores cartilage tissue has not yet been found. Competent treatment of arthritis and arthrosis can only stop the destruction. The main methods of treating joint diseases are physical therapy exercises and physical therapy procedures.
Arthritis is treated by a rheumatologist. The course of rehabilitation depends on its specific type, but it is rarely possible to do without special anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics. Hormonal medications are sometimes prescribed. The treatment regimen is usually as follows:
pain relievers and anti-inflammatories;
physiotherapy;
proper nutrition, diet, restoration of metabolic processes;
drug therapy if internal organs are affected.
Prevention is the foundation of joint health
Like any disease, joint disease can be prevented. First of all, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, and avoid stress.
If we specifically consider the recommendations, then the specialists of the clinics note:
Weight control: In order not to put undue stress on your joints, you should always control normal weight.
Moderate physical activity. They improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscular corset, which is very important for maintaining healthy joints. However, the keyword here is mild, because sprains, injuries, strength training, and strenuous sports only accelerate the process of joint destruction. For the joints, swimming, cycling and Nordic walking are considered the best activities.
Correct and balanced diet. As prevention of joint diseases, doctors recommend reducing the amount of red meat in the diet, as well as foods high in animal fats. But fatty fish and products containing omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the contrary, should be included on the menu as much as possible. Also, emphasis should be placed on fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain water balance.
Wear comfortable orthotic shoes or inserts.
Strengthen the immune system, in particular, avoid hypothermia and avoid stress.
Be healthy!