The most common joint pathologies 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 specialist is the key to effective treatment for the complete recovery of the affected joints. Under the influence of age-related changes, each person has a risk of pathological changes in the joints. The joints are especially affected, which are subjected to increased stress throughout life. Diseases can be a direct cause of joint changes. To prevent undesirable consequences from diseases of the joints, it is necessary to prevent the disease from developing, adhering to measures of prevention and treatment.
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 limitation of movement. Both diseases lead to destructive changes in the articular structure, but differ in the nature of the origin and the course of the disease.
Arthritis, if we compare it with arthrosis, 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 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 cartilage modification, leading to the destruction of joints up to a complete loss of movement, like arthritis. A pathological process develops in view of age-related changes in the tissues of the joint, which are aggravated by the excess weight of the patient, metabolic disorders and pathologies of the endocrine system.
The causes of arthritis and arthrosis differ significantly. The only unifying factor is the similarity of some of the symptoms and the deplorable outcome of untreated forms.
Arthritis Triggers:
- development of inflammation of the articular tissues of the knee after trauma of various nature;
- infection of the knee joint 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 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 occurs under the following conditions:
- wear of the components of the joint comes from aging;
- increased body weight significantly increases the daily load on the knees;
- deforming disorders due to injury;
- 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 joints;
- violation of trophism and blood supply to the joint;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- changes in hormonal levels;
- polluted environment.
Difference Features
These two diseases sound similar but differ in many ways. Among 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 higher the risk of the disease increases.
Arthrosis is a disease that is localized 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 entire body in the inflammatory process. Both diseases can occur in acute and chronic forms, only arthrosis develops for a longer 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. Arthrosis proceeds 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 joints. The disease rarely affects one joint, polyarthritis is a more common form, and arthrosis is localized in large joints.
According to statistics, middle-aged men are more likely to develop articular pathology from infections and viruses. Processes that deform joints are most common in the female population during menopause, mainly after the fifty-year mark. 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 seek medical advice at the first symptoms in order to successfully heal and restore 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 beginning process.
Dystrophic changes in the tissues of the joint are poorly manifested at the initial stage, therefore patients often come to an orthopedist when the disease is in the second or third stage of development. In this case, the treatment is complicated, takes a long time and requires many measures to restore the normal functionality of the joints. A sluggish 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's office so as not to miss the initial stage of the disease.
How does arthritis manifest?
- Unlike arthrosis, with arthritis, swelling appears around the inflamed joint, hindering movement and causing a lot of inconvenience when moving independently.
- In acute inflammation, the skin on the joint becomes brightly hyperemic and hot to the touch.
- If arthritis is of the type caused by an infection. The general condition of the patient suffers, intoxication begins, which is accompanied by a febrile condition.
- A piercing pain appears in the inflamed joints, which tends to increase significantly with movement. In a calm state, 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 vulnerable are the joints of the fingers and toes, as well as the ankle and hand.
Arthrosis Symptoms
The manifestations of arthrosis do not have characteristic signs in the first years of the disease, the wear of the joint makes itself felt after several stages of the development of the pathological condition.
Signs of arthrosis:
- pain does not appear immediately, the pain intensifies 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 damage to the hip or knee joint - the gait becomes limp, and the range of motion is incomplete;
- in neglected conditions, shortening of the lower limb may occur, in the absence of correction, pathologies of the spinal column develop;
- when the cartilage tissue is destroyed, the joint loses its mobility and a complete blockade of the joint occurs;
- severe crepitus in the joint during physical activity.
How to treat diseases?
Arthritis and arthrosis differ significantly in the approach to treatment. Various causes and mechanisms of the development of pathology suggest the initial setting of the correct diagnosis so that the therapeutic measures are effective.
In order not to start the disease and waste precious time, do not rely on the experience of friends and folk recipes.
Disease 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 well-being, but also the quality of a person's life depends on it.
Treat arthritis
Treatment should begin by identifying the factors causing the inflammation. Having 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 tablets or injections. Viral lesions are treated with antiviral pills.
The basis for effective removal of inflammation and pain suppression will be the mandatory intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They will help to cope with unwanted symptoms, both when taking pills and local effects on the area of the sore joint.
Strengthening the immune system is the basis for successful disease control. Taking multivitamins with micronutrients will support a weakened body and help turn 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. Permitted products include fermented milk products, lean meats, 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: treatment with a magnetic pulsed field, 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 arthrosis
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 doctor's recommendations, can prevent the progression of destructive changes and restore damaged cells.
Chondroprotectors support tissue nutrition and promote cartilage repair, as well as an increase in the production of joint fluid, which serves as the only source of nutrition for the components of the joint.
When pain occurs, NSAIDs are recommended for symptomatic treatment of pain. A fortified diet, giving up alcohol and smoking leads to an increase in the body's resistance and an increase in strength to fight for healthy joints.
Therapeutic gymnastics using various methods increases blood circulation in the affected area, makes joints move, increasing 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 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 ascertain exactly what disease develops in the joints, you need to make an appointment with an experienced orthopedist. At the first meeting, the doctor will conduct a visual examination and ask questions of interest that will help to form a picture of the disease.
The results of laboratory blood tests will help to differentiate arthritis from arthrosis, this will require general and biochemical tests. X-ray examination will help to examine in detail the joint from the inside.
In some pathologies, the patient is referred for a magnetic resonance examination, which will give answers to the doctor's questions regarding the diagnosis of 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. Proper nutrition and regular exercise will prolong joint life, which is important for overall health.
At the slightest manifestations of arthrosis or arthritis, in no case should you be treated yourself. Inappropriate actions can negatively affect the outcome of the disease. Timely referral to a specialist and further adherence to appointments guarantees successful treatment, which will make it possible to lead a healthy lifestyle.