Related, sometimes interconnected, joint diseases: Arthritis and osteoarthritis have many similarities and differences. But it is possible to determine which disease develops in a person only after a series of diagnostic studies. The causes of these pathologies differ, the treatment of arthrosis and arthritis is also not the same. The use of alternative therapy for such diseases is not only useless, but also dangerous.
Comparative characteristics
The development of arthritis and arthrosis occurs under the influence of various factors. But these diseases have one thing in common - they negatively affect the state of human health, causing unpleasant symptoms and discomfort. Both pathologies provoke inflammation of the joint, disrupt its functioning, as a result of which a person is unable to move normally.
The symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis are very similar, but there are also characteristic signs of each disease.
What are the causes of arthritis?
The main causes of joint diseases:
- pathological disorders in the body;
- infectious or autoimmune diseases;
- complications after past infections;
- metabolic or exchange changes.
Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis or polyarthritis occurs due to trauma, destruction of the integrity of the joints. With the progression of the pathology, inflammation of the synovial membrane and fluid develops. A lot of lubricant is produced, resulting in swelling of the hands, feet, knee joints and other joints. Changes in cartilage tissues are observed - erosion appears on them. As a result of such pathological processes, the bone is exposed.
Reasons for the development of arthrosis
This disease is characterized by degenerative and dystrophic changes affecting the cartilage that lines the articular surfaces of the bone. Pathology is most often diagnosed in older people. The main trigger is age-related changes, during which physiological thinning and wear of the cartilage occurs. But sometimes osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis of the arms or legs affects very young people whose lifestyle is associated with excessive physical stress on the joints.
Characteristic symptoms
Sometimes the distinctive symptoms help pre-diagnose a particular disease. To distinguish which disease develops in a patient, the places of localization of diseases help:
- Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation of the large joint joints of the foot, knees and hip joint. Much less often, the pathology affects the joints of the fingers. Worse still, when violations affect the intervertebral joints.
- In arthritis, several joints become inflamed. Pathological changes can occur in several asymmetrical joints at the same time, which is not observed in osteoarthritis.
The first signs of arthritis and arthrosis of the joints are different. If a person develops arthritis, the pain is mainly disturbed at rest, during rest or sleep. After waking up, stiffness and discomfort are felt. Osteoarthritis causes pain when moving, and after rest, the discomfort in the legs disappears.
Another difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee joint is the appearance of the diseased joint. 1st degree arthrosis is characterized by the absence of pronounced changes, however, as the pathology progresses, the joint deforms and crackles. If arthritis develops, the joints in the legs, feet immediately become swollen, hot. The patient's general well-being is disturbed, he loses weight, his body temperature rises.
Differential diagnosis
The choice of drugs for the treatment of joints depends on the type of pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to distinguish osteoarthritis from arthritis of the ankle joint. To do this, the patient must undergo a series of such diagnostic tests:
- general blood and urine tests;
- biochemical study of plasma;
- rheumatic tests;
- x-ray of the affected joints in the arms and legs;
- Soft tissue CT or MRI diagnostics.
medical treatment
To treat both conditions, it is recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They provide first aid to diseased joints, relieving inflammation and pain. With osteoarthritis, effective treatment aims at the regeneration of cartilage. Chondroprotectors, glauric acid, physiotherapy procedures, auxiliary treatment with folk remedies are used.
When diagnosing arthritis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the inflammation and eliminate the pain. With the infectious nature of the disease, drug treatment, antibiotic therapy is used. If the pathology is caused by immune disorders, hormonal and cytostatic drugs are prescribed.
The main contraindications for acute phase arthritis are massage and physiotherapy.
Home therapy
Folk methods for the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis involve the use of herbs, egg shells, propolis, garlic compresses, decoction of bay leaves. Sometimes traditional medicine suggests the use of herbs, the therapeutic effect of which is more dangerous and more toxic than some medicines. All prescriptions and their ingredients must be agreed with the doctor. Comprehensive treatment of arthritis and arthrosis should be aimed at stopping inflammatory complications and relieving the patient's condition.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
It is difficult to determine which disease is worse. Both pathologies have similar and distinctive features. The table shows the characteristic features of each disease:
| sign | Arthritis | arthrosis |
|---|---|---|
| Ache | Sharp, aching, independent of the nature of the movements | Dull, piercing, aggravated by movement |
| Stiffness in the morning | Expressed | Sometimes it is annoying, but it lasts no more than 30-40 minutes. |
| Redness and fever | There is | Sometimes |
| swelling | Yes | Rarely |
| Crunch, click | Do not | There is |
| Deformation | In advanced cases | Yes |
| Mobility limitation | Yes | Yes |