Those facing joint disease are often interested in: arthritis and osteoarthritis - what is the difference between them. These diseases affect a third of the population aged 36 to 49, as well as every second 50 to 70 years. In those who are older, the condition occurs in 90% of people. These diseases have their own 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, disorders, in whose terminology there is the suffix "-it", indicate an inflammatory process that takes place in the body. If the name contains the combination "-oz", it indicates tissue destruction. Arthritis and osteoarthritis are no exception. The first ailment is manifested by swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane. The second disease is the destruction of cartilage and nearby bone areas.
Cause of arthritis and osteoarthritis
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of both the first and second disorders. There are five of these "provocateurs":
- Intense prolonged stress on the joints. Most often this reason is observed in athletes.
- Hypothermia - regular contact with cold water, snow, and so on.
- Joint injury.
- Genetic predisposition: Diseases are hereditary.
- Congenital diseases of the bone and connective tissues.
Specific "provocateurs" of arthritis include:
- infections that have entered the body, causing inflammation;
- overweight;
- poor nutrition (due to a lack of valuable substances, the body's defense system suffers).
Osteoarthritis is a disease that develops, regardless of the 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 disruptions in the body;
- Perthes disease;
- haemophilia;
- severe intoxication of the body;
- age-related degeneration of cartilage.
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 disrupted. As a result, this leads to its destruction. For this reason it is so important to contact a doctor immediately when you detect any warning signals emitted by the body.
Symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis
These diseases differ from each other in clinical presentation. Also, arthritis and arthrosis - what is the difference between them, you can see from the localization zone of ailments. The inflammatory process attacks such parts of the body:
- joints;
- liver;
- heart and blood vessels;
- lungs;
- kidneys.
Osteoarthritis affects only the joints:
- hip;
- metatarsophalangeal on the feet;
- knee;
- interphalangeal 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 - signs
The following factors indicate the development of this disease:
- stiffness in the morning;
- an increase in body temperature in the area where the inflammatory process occurs (this area becomes hot to the touch);
- soft tissue swelling near the affected joint;
- pain (at rest and during exercise);
- redness of the skin.
Symptoms of arthritis when the disease affects other organs and systems:
- prostration;
- violation of the heart rhythm;
- chills;
- conjunctivitis;
- an increase in body temperature up to 39 ° C;
- pain when urinating.
Osteoarthritis - signs
One of the main symptoms of this disease is pain. They appear both at rest and in the joint. In addition, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be:
- decreased range of motion;
- crunch (due to the cancellation of the cartilage membrane);
- deformity of the limbs.
Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis
Before starting therapy, a diagnosis is made. It includes these activities:
- radiography;
- delivery of a general blood test;
- arthroscopy;
- Ultrasound of connective tissues.
The difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis in the treatment of these ailments is practically absent. The therapy consists of the following phases:
- elimination of pain;
- maintenance of connective tissue;
- elimination of stiffness;
- reducing the risk of relapse.
The treatment of these diseases involves an integrated approach. In arthritis it is intended to reduce the inflammatory process and in arthrosis it is intended to restore cartilage tissue. Treatment involves the use of such methods:
- Physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- pharmacological therapy;
- diet food.
The difference in the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis is visible in the doctor's prescriptions. So, 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 the drugs on your own. This treatment is not safe. At first, you may even feel that the disease is gone - the pain subsides, the stiffness disappears. However, in reality the situation is not what it seems. Although the obvious signs disappear, the disease continues to progress.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are treated with injections, tablets and ointments - what is the difference between such treatment, the doctor will tell in detail. He will prescribe the optimal scheme of drug therapy. To enhance the effect, orthopedic correction of violations is performed. If drug therapy fails to cope with these diseases and they develop into a severe form, then surgical intervention is performed.
Which doctor treats arthritis and osteoarthritis of the joints?
In order for the disease not to become neglected, it is necessary to seek medical help in time. To do this, you need to know which doctor treats arthritis and osteoarthritis. 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 will conduct an examination, refer the patient for an X-ray examination, and then prescribe the optimal treatment.
- Surgeon - helps to cope with unbearable discomfort.
- Orthopedist - specializes in chronic pain.
Ointments for arthritis and osteoarthritis
External agents have the following effects:
- blood circulation improves;
- an antimicrobial effect is achieved;
- nutrition of cartilage is normalized;
- pain sensations decrease;
- provides a warming effect.
In how to treat arthritis, osteoarthritis at home, the following groups of ointments have proven themselves well:
- vasodilators;
- heating;
- pain relievers;
- anti-inflammatory.
The effectiveness of the use of external agents is low. About 7% of the active substances are delivered through the skin to the affected joint. For this reason, doctors recommend ointments only at the initial stage of the disease. Also, these medicines can be used as an additional tool in complex therapy. The duration of the use of such ointment is determined by the doctor individually in each case.
More often, such anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, warming ointments and vasodilators are prescribed.
Pills for osteoarthritis and arthritis
The following antibiotics can be prescribed:
- macrolides;
- tetracyclines;
- fluoroquinolones.
In addition, such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis and osteoarthritis and chondroprotectors can be prescribed.
Osteoarthritis, arthritis - treatment with folk remedies
Various healing methods can be used in the fight against these diseases. 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, osteoarthritis are, what is the difference between them, so he will help you choose the best remedy. Uncontrolled use of homemade "drugs" is not safe.
Osteoarthritis, arthritis - alternative treatment with black currant
Ingredients:
- black currant leaves - 4-5 g;
- water - 250 ml.
Preparation, application:
- Raw materials need to be poured with boiling water and inherent in a water bath for 20 minutes.
- The drug must 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
A properly selected nutritional scheme will help alleviate the condition of the patients. The diet for arthritis and osteoarthritis excludes the consumption of the following foods:
- strong tea and coffee;
- salinity;
- chocolate
- alcoholic beverages;
- margarine and butter;
- potato chips and fries;
- egg yolk;
- cod liver
After the doctor diagnoses arthritis and osteoarthritis and explains to the patient what the difference is between them, he can recommend a diet that includes the consumption of these foods:
- Ginger;
- almonds;
- apples
- black beans;
- salmon
- fresh fruit 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 nutrition.
- Do not overload the joints: alternate mental and physical work.
- Refuse bad habits.
- Monitor your weight.
- Wear orthopedic shoes.
- Protect the joints from hypothermia and injury.
- Do gymnastics, swimming and other sports that do not overload the joints.