Those who face joint diseases are often interested in: Arthritis and arthrosis - what is the difference between them? These diseases affect one third of the population aged 36-49 and one in two aged 50-70. In the elderly, the pathology occurs in 90% of people. These diseases have their similarities and differences.
How is arthritis different from osteoarthritis?
In general, the difference between these diseases is manifested in their names. From the Latin language, complaints, in the terminology of which there is a suffix "-it", indicate an inflammatory process in the body. If the name contains the combination "-oz", this indicates the destruction of tissues. Arthritis and osteoarthritis are no exception. The first disease is manifested by swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane. The second disease is the destruction of cartilage and nearby areas of bone.
Cause of arthritis and osteoarthritis
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of both the first and second ailments. There are five such "provocateurs":
- Prolonged intensive load on the joints. Most often this reason is observed in athletes.
- Hypothermia - regular contact with cold water, snow and so on.
- joint injury.
- Genetics - Diseases are inherited.
- Congenital bone and connective tissue diseases.
Specific "provocateurs" of arthritis include:
- Infections that have entered the body and cause inflammation;
- overweight;
- poor nutrition (due to the lack of valuable substances, the body's defense system suffers).
Osteoarthritis is a disease that develops independently of diseases of other organs and systems. That is, this disease is not associated with the general condition of the body. It is called by such "provocateurs":
- hormonal disorders in the body;
- Perthes disease;
- Hemophilia;
- severe intoxication of the body;
- age-related cartilage degradation.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause osteoarthritis if the disease is not treated properly. This situation is quite natural, because due to the degeneration of the synovial fluid, the nutrition of the cartilage tissue is disturbed. As a result, this leads to its destruction. This is why it is so important to see a doctor immediately when the body's alarm signals are detected.
Symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis
These diseases differ from each other in clinical presentation. In addition, arthritis and arthrosis - what the difference between them is, you can tell by the zone of localization of ailments. The inflammatory process attacks such parts of the body:
- joints;
- Liver;
- heart and blood vessels;
- Lung;
- kidneys.
Osteoarthritis only affects the joints:
- Hips;
- metatarsophalangeal on feet;
- Knee;
- interphalangeals on the hands.
There are common signs of arthritis and osteoarthritis. These include the following symptoms:
- stiffness of movement;
- pain sensations;
- loss of motor skills.
Arthritis - sign
The following factors indicate the development of this disease:
- stiffness in morning;
- an increase in body temperature in the area where the inflammatory process occurs (this area is hot to the touch);
- soft tissue swelling near the affected joint;
- pain (at rest and during exercise);
- reddening of the skin.
Symptoms of arthritis when the disease affects other organs and systems:
- Exhaustion;
- violation of the heart rhythm;
- Chills;
- conjunctivitis;
- an increase in body temperature up to 39 ° C;
- pain when urinating.
Osteoarthritis - sign
One of the main symptoms of this disease is pain. They occur both at rest and when the joint is under load. In addition, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be:
- decrease in the amplitude of movements;
- crunch (due to the deletion of the cartilage membrane);
- Limb deformity.
Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis
Before starting therapy, a diagnosis is made. It includes such activities:
- radiography;
- Giving a general blood test;
- arthroscopy;
- Connective tissue ultrasound.
The difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis in treating these conditions is virtually non-existent. The therapy consists of the following steps:
- elimination of pain;
- preservation of connective tissue;
- elimination of stiffness;
- Reducing the risk of recurrence.
The treatment of these diseases involves an integrated approach. With arthritis, it is aimed at reducing the inflammatory process, and with arthrosis, it is aimed at restoring cartilage tissue. Treatment involves the use of such methods:
- Physical therapy;
- physiotherapeutic exercises;
- drug therapy;
- Diet food.
The difference in the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis can be seen in the doctor's prescriptions. Therefore, if the inflammatory process is infectious in nature, antibiotics are prescribed during therapy. When autoimmune arthritis is diagnosed, steroid hormones are prescribed. However, you cannot choose medicines yourself. This treatment is not safe. In the beginning you may even feel that the disease has receded: the pain subsides, the stiffness disappears. In reality, however, the situation is not what it seems. Although obvious signs disappear, the disease progresses.
Arthritis and arthrosis are treated with injections, tablets and ointments - what is the difference between such treatment, the doctor will explain in detail. He will prescribe the optimal scheme of drug therapy. To enhance the effect, orthopedic correction of injuries is performed. If drug therapy does not cope with these diseases, and they develop into a severe form, then surgical intervention is performed.
Which doctor treats arthrosis and arthrosis of the joints?
So that the disease does not go into a neglected form, you need to seek medical help in a timely manner. To do this, you need to know which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis. In home clinics, the following specialists are involved in the treatment of these ailments:
- Rheumatologist - they turn to him with mild symptoms of the disease. The doctor conducts an examination, refers the patient for an X-ray examination, and then prescribes the optimal treatment.
- Surgeon - helps to cope with unbearable discomfort.
- Orthopedist - specializing in chronic pain.
Ointments for arthritis and arthrosis
External agents have the following effects:
- blood circulation improves;
- an antimicrobial effect is achieved;
- Cartilage nutrition is normalized;
- pain sensations decrease;
- provides a warming effect.
In the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis at home, the following groups of ointments have proven themselves:
- vasodilators;
- Heat;
- Painkiller;
- antiphlogistic.
The effectiveness of using external funds is low. About 7% of the active ingredients are delivered through the skin to the affected joint. For this reason, doctors recommend ointments only in the initial stages of the disease. In addition, these drugs can be used as an additional tool in complex therapy. The duration of use of such an ointment is determined by the doctor individually in each case.
More often such anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, warming and vasodilating ointments are prescribed.
Pills for osteoarthritis and arthritis
The following antibiotics can be prescribed:
- macrolides;
- tetracyclines;
- fluoroquinolones.
In addition, such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis and arthrosis, as well as chondroprotectors, can be prescribed.
Osteoarthritis, arthritis - treatment with folk remedies
In the fight against these diseases, various healing methods can be used. Folk remedies are very popular. They have undeniable advantages: availability, ease of manufacture and naturalness. However, they should only be used after consulting a doctor. He knows what arthritis and osteoarthritis are, what the difference is between them and will help you choose the best remedy. Uncontrolled intake of homemade "drugs" is unsafe.
Osteoarthritis, arthritis - alternative treatment with black currant
Ingredients:
- Black currant leaves - 4-5 g;
- water - 250 ml.
Preparation, application:
- Raw materials must be poured with boiling water and insisted in a water bath for 20 minutes.
- The drug should be filtered and drunk 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day.
- The remaining product is stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Diet for arthritis and arthrosis of the joints
Properly selected nutritional regimen will help alleviate the condition of patients. Diet for arthritis and arthrosis excludes the consumption of the following foods:
- strong tea and coffee;
- salinity;
- chocolate
- alcoholic drinks;
- margarine and butter;
- chips and french fries;
- Egg yolk;
- cod liver oil.
After the doctor diagnoses arthritis and arthrosis and explains to the patient what the difference between them is, he can recommend a diet that includes the consumption of such foods:
- Ginger;
- almonds;
- apples
- black beans;
- Salmon
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- Beef;
- chicken and so on.
Prevention of arthritis and arthrosis
It is much easier to prevent diseases than to fight them later. Diseases of arthrosis, arthritis include such preventive measures:
- Proper balanced diet.
- Do not overload the joints - alternate mental and physical work.
- Refusing bad habits.
- Keep an eye on your weight.
- Wear orthopedic shoes.
- Protect joints from hypothermia and injuries.
- Do gymnastics, swimming and other sports that do not overload the joints.