Related, sometimes related diseases of the joints – arthritis and osteoarthritis have many similarities and differences. However, it is possible to determine which disease is developing in a person only after a series of diagnostic studies. The causes of these pathologies are different, the treatment of arthrosis and arthritis is also not the same. The use of alternative therapies for such diseases is not only useless, but also dangerous.
Comparative Properties
The development of arthritis and arthrosis occurs under the influence of various factors. But these diseases have one thing in common: they adversely affect human health, causing unpleasant symptoms and discomfort. Both pathologies provoke inflammation of the joint, disrupt its functioning, as a result of which a person cannot move normally.
The symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis are very similar, but there are also signs that are characteristic of each disease.
What causes osteoarthritis?
The main causes of joint diseases:
- pathological disorders in the body;
- infectious or autoimmune disease;
- complications from past infections;
- Metabolic or exchange changes.
Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis or polyarthritis occurs due to trauma and 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, knees, and other joints. Changes are observed in cartilaginous tissues - erosion occurs on them. As a result of such pathological processes, the bone is exposed.
Reasons for the development of osteoarthritis
This disease is characterized by degenerative and dystrophic changes affecting the cartilage lining the articular surfaces of the bone. Pathology is more often diagnosed in older people. The main provoking factor are age-related changes, during which there is a physiological thinning and wear and tear of the cartilage. But sometimes osteoarthritis or arthrosis of the arms or legs also affects very young people whose lifestyle involves excessive physical stress on the joints.
Characteristic Symptoms
Sometimes characteristic symptoms help to pre-diagnose a particular disease. To distinguish which disease develops in a patient, the localization sites of diseases will help:
- Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation of the large joints of the foot, knees and hips. Much less often, the pathology affects the joints of the fingers. Even worse when injuries affect the disc joints.
- In arthritis, various joints become inflamed. Pathological changes can occur simultaneously in several asymmetric joints, which is not observed in arthrosis.
The first signs of arthrosis and arthrosis of the joints are different. When a person develops arthritis, then the pain is mostly disturbed at rest, while at rest, or while sleeping. 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 is the appearance of the diseased joint. Arthrosis of the 1st degree is characterized by the absence of pronounced changes, however, as the pathology progresses, the joint deforms and crackles. When arthritis develops, the joints in the legs and feet immediately become swollen and hot. The general well-being of the patient 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, you need to know how to distinguish osteoarthritis from arthritis of the ankle. To do this, the patient must undergo a number of such diagnostic examinations:
- general blood and urine tests;
- biochemical analysis of plasma;
- rheumatic tests;
- radiography of the affected joints of the arms and legs;
- CT or MRI diagnostics of soft tissues.
medical treatment
To cure both pathologies, it is recommended to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They provide first aid for diseased joints, relieve inflammation and pain. In osteoarthritis, effective treatment is aimed at cartilage regeneration. Chondroprotectors, glauric acid, physiotherapeutic procedures, auxiliary treatment with folk remedies are used.
When diagnosing arthritis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the inflammation and eliminate pain. With the contagious nature of the disease, treatment with drugs, antibiotic therapy is used. If the pathology is caused by immune disorders, then hormonal drugs and cytostatics are prescribed.
The main contraindications for arthritis in the acute stage are massage and physical therapy.
therapy at home
Folk methods of treating arthritis and arthrosis involve the use of herbs, egg shells, propolis, garlic compresses, decoction of bay leaves. Sometimes traditional medicine recommends the use of herbs, the therapeutic effects of which are more dangerous and toxic than some medicines. All recipes 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pains | Acute, painful, regardless of the nature of the movements | Dull, penetrating, aggravated by movement |
| stiffness in the morning | Expressed | Sometimes it bothers, but lasts no more than 30-40 minutes. |
| redness and fever | There is | Once in a while |
| swelling | Yes | Rarely |
| crunches, clicks | no | There is |
| deformation | In advanced cases | Yes |
| mobility impairment | Yes | Yes |