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 brightness. One of the most common joint diseases is arthritis and osteoarthritis. Many people confuse them, and sometimes do not even know what the differences are, because in both cases the joints hurt. Such names are also misleading. In this post we will tell you how arthritis differs from osteoarthritis, the symptoms of these diseases and methods of treatment. Despite the similarity of the names, these are completely different diseases.
What are arthritis and osteoarthritis: the differences
First, the diseases differ in name: they both have the same Latin root but different endings. Now with the sign at the end you can remember the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis. The Latin ending "-oz" means degenerative process, destruction. The end "-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 take a closer look at what osteoarthritis and arthritis are and what symptoms accompany them.
Osteoarthritis is the result of aging and deterioration of the joint
Osteoarthritis is the deformation and wear of the joint capsule that allows the joint to move easily. The disease leads to structural changes, damage to cartilage and destruction of its tissues. As a rule, osteoarthritis appears after 45-50 years and is the result of the body's natural aging process. In the elderly over the age of 60, the disease is diagnosed in 80% 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, ie those that experience the most daily stress. Musicians often suffer from wrists and fingers. Osteoarthritis itself is slow, which is why the symptoms are less pronounced in the early stages.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
the main symptom is pain that manifests itself during movement and after exercise. As a rule, the pain of osteoarthritis is painful, not very strong and passes at rest, in a comfortable position;
Frequent crunching - a deep sound that occurs as a result of rubbing the bones;
stiffness of the movements is local, only the movement of the diseased joint is disturbed;
appearance - there may be deformation of cartilage, in the later stages slight swelling.
Types of osteoarthritis
Primary - occurs as a result of 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 the age of 45, arthritis can occur at any age. As we said, this is an inflammatory process that takes place in the joints, but affects the whole body at once. The disease is associated with disorders of the immune system.
Why do joints hurt? The fact is that the immune organs that are produced in this disease attack the joints. Therefore, arthritis can hurt any joint: several at once or just one. Arthritis most often occurs after severe stress, anxiety, on the background of reduced immunity and hypothermia, as well as as a result of metabolic disorders.
Symptoms of arthritis
arthritis pain, in contrast to osteoarthritis pain, decreases during movement, but increases and becomes chronic at rest. Most often the pain intensifies at night or in the early morning hours, during rest;
joints swell, there is swelling, swelling, painful palpation;
the joint area becomes red and hot;
an inflammatory reaction is noted in the blood tests;
stiffness in the whole body, stiffness of movements;
the appearance of dense nodules in the joint area.
Arthritis is also often accompanied by such manifestations:
dry eye;
weakness, chills, drowsiness;
psoriasis;
meteorological 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 of 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 in the joints associated with an increase in uric acid in the blood and as a result with the deposition of salts.
Degenerative occurs:
traumatic;
osteoarthritis.
Which is more dangerous: arthritis or osteoarthritis?
There is no definite answer to this question. Because both diseases, without timely treatment, can lead to complete loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can be a consequence of arthritis. But long-term osteoarthritis can also lead to arthritis.
Treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis: features
Joint pain deprives a person of the simplest joys: a simple walk, the opportunity for complete rest, freedom of movement. However, it is not always possible to recognize an alarming manifestation of this symptom in time. 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 after receiving short-term relief, they do not know the main thing - the causes of the disease. In this way, the disease is exacerbated and takes more severe, neglected forms.
The main recommendation of doctors is not to delay the visit to a specialist. Only a thorough examination and treatment will help to avoid serious consequences. Here is the opportunity to live and move fully.
Osteoarthritis is treated by orthopedists, neurologists and rheumatologists. The main method is to reduce the load on the diseased joint, to increase the elasticity of the tissues and to strengthen the muscles. In more severe cases, special injections of hyaluronic acid are prescribed to help lubricate the joint, or so-called arthroplasty is performed.
However, no cure has yet been found for complete recovery of cartilage tissue. Competent treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis can only stop the destruction. The main methods of treating joint diseases are physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy 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 drugs are sometimes prescribed. The treatment regimen is usually as follows:
painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
physiotherapy;
proper nutrition, diet, recovery of metabolic processes;
drug therapy if the 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 take into account the specific recommendations, then the specialists from the clinics note:
Weight control - in order not to put unnecessary stress on the joints, you should always monitor your normal weight.
Moderate physical activity. They improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscular corset, which is very important for maintaining healthy joints. The key word here, however, is light, 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.
Proper balanced diet. As a 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 in the menu as much as possible. Emphasis should also be placed on fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain water balance.
Wear comfortable orthopedic shoes or insoles.
Strengthen the immune system, in particular avoid hypothermia and avoid stress.
Be healthy!