Our joints are complex and reliable mechanisms that nature itself created. Your work is invisible as long as the joints are healthy. But when they start to hurt, the world loses its former brightness. One of the most common joint diseases are arthritis and osteoarthritis. Many people confuse them and sometimes don't even know what the differences are because in both cases the joints are sore. Similar names are also misleading. In this publication we will tell you how arthritis differs from osteoarthritis, the symptoms of these diseases and the methods of treatment. Despite the similarity of names, these are completely different complaints.
What are arthritis and osteoarthritis: the differences
First of all, the diseases differ in name: they both have the same Latin root, but different endings. Just by naming the end, you can remember what the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is. The Latin ending "-oz" denotes a degenerative process, destruction. The ending "-it" indicates an inflammatory process. The difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis is obvious: diseases have a completely different character and course. But let us understand more precisely what osteoarthritis and arthritis are and what symptoms they accompany.
Osteoarthritis is a result of the aging and deterioration of the joint
Osteoarthritis is the deformation and wear and tear of the joint capsule, which allows the joint to move easily. The disease leads to structural changes, damage to the cartilage and destruction of its tissues. Osteoarthritis usually occurs after 45-50 years of age and is the result of the body's natural aging process. In 80% of the elderly over 60 years of age, the disease is diagnosed with complaints of leg pain.
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, i. e. those that are subjected to the greatest daily stress. Musicians often suffer from wrists and fingers. Osteoarthritis itself is slow, so symptoms are less pronounced in the early stages.
Osteoarthritis symptoms
The main symptom is pain that manifests itself during movement and after physical exertion. As a rule, the pain with osteoarthritis is painful, not very severe and disappears at rest in a comfortable position;
Frequent crunching - a deep sound created by rubbing bones;
Stiffness of movement is local, only the movement of the diseased joint is disturbed;
Appearance - there may be deformation of the cartilage, slight swelling in later stages.
Types of osteoarthritis
Primary - arises from the natural aging process of the joint.
Secondary - develops against the background of trauma as a post-traumatic manifestation.
Arthritis is a serious disease of the body
While osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed in people over 45, arthritis can occur at any age. As I said, this is an inflammatory process that takes place in the joints, but at the same time affects the entire body. The disease is linked to immune system malfunction.
Why do joints hurt? The fact is that the immune bodies formed in this disease attack the joints. Therefore, with arthritis, all joints can be painful: several at the same time or just one. Arthritis most often occurs after severe stress, anxiety, on the background of decreased immunity and hypothermia, as well as as a result of metabolic disorders.
Arthritis symptoms
Arthritis pain, unlike osteoarthritis pain, decreases with movement, but increases and becomes chronic at rest. Most often, the pain worsens at night or early in the morning at rest;
joints swell, there is puffiness, puffiness, painful palpation;
the joint area becomes red and hot;
an inflammatory reaction is detected during blood tests;
Stiffness in whole 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;
Weather dependency.
Types of arthritis
Depending on the type of 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 penetrated the synovial fluid;
rheumatoid - an inflammatory process that affects the connective tissue around the joint, as well as many organs;
reactive - develops as a result of infection;
Gout is inflammation of the joints, which is associated with an increase in uric acid in the blood and, as a result, with the deposition of salts.
Degenerative things happen:
traumatic;
Arthrosis.
Which is more dangerous: arthritis or osteoarthritis?
There is no clear answer to this question. Because both diseases can lead to a complete loss of mobility without timely treatment. Osteoarthritis can be a result of arthritis. Long-term osteoarthritis can also lead to arthritis.
Treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis: features
Joint pain deprives a person of the simplest pleasures: an ordinary walk, the opportunity to rest completely, freedom of movement. However, it is not always possible to timely identify an alarming manifestation of this symptom. Often times, people think that this is a passing phenomenon, and they try to get rid of pain faster: they self-medicate, take medication, or use popular methods. But after short-term relief, they do not know the main thing - the causes of the disease. This makes the disease worse and assume more severe, neglected forms.
The main recommendation from doctors is not to postpone the visit to a specialist. Only a thorough examination and treatment will help avoid serious consequences. What is at stake here is the opportunity to fully live and move about.
Osteoarthritis is treated by orthopedists, neurologists and rheumatologists. The main method is to reduce the load on the diseased joint, increase tissue elasticity and strengthen muscles. In more severe cases, special injections of hyaluronic acid are prescribed to lubricate the joint, or what is known as arthroplasty is performed.
However, a means of completely restoring the cartilage tissue has not yet been found. Competent treatment for arthritis and osteoarthritis 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 nature, but it is rarely possible to do without special anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics. Sometimes hormonal drugs are prescribed. The treatment regimen is usually as follows:
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
Physical therapy;
proper nutrition, diet, restoration of metabolic processes;
drug therapy when internal organs are affected.
Prevention is the foundation of joint health
Like any disease, joint disease can be prevented. First and foremost, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, and avoid stress.
If we specifically take the recommendations into account, then the specialists at the clinics will determine:
Weight control - In order not to put excessive strain on the joints, you must always pay attention to the normal weight.
Moderate physical activity. They improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscle corset, which is very important for maintaining healthy joints. The keyword here, however, is mild because sprains, injuries, weight training, and strenuous sports only accelerate the process of joint destruction. For the joints, swimming, cycling, and Nordic walking are considered the best activities.
Proper balanced diet. To prevent joint diseases, doctors recommend reducing the amount of red meat in your diet and foods with a high content of animal fats. However, fatty fish and products containing omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids should be included in the diet as much as possible. In addition, importance should be attached to fresh vegetables and fruits in order to maintain the water balance.
Wear comfortable orthopedic shoes or insoles.
Strengthen the immune system, especially avoid hypothermia and avoid stress.
Bless you!