Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two pathologies that affect the musculoskeletal system, namely the joints. The etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases are different, but the end result is the same: damage to the joints (cartilage tissue, meniscus, intra-articular structure and tendon-muscle corset) with inflammation of soft tissues, violation of anatomical and physiological structure. destruction.
Separately these pathologies represent: arthritis is an inflammatory process, with the involvement of a certain group of enzymes, the purpose of which is the destruction of connective tissue of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the destruction of the joints, i. e. irreversible phenomena with complete or partial deformation of all articular components with a limitation of the biomechanics of the organ. In excluding these pathologies plus implementing proper prevention, you need to know everything about arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference than treating it.
Specification, change and causes
The difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is as follows: arthritis can be eliminated with medication, and osteoarthritis with medication plus surgery and only after the main cause has been eliminated, such as concomitant diseases, metabolic disorders or injuries. Inflammation of the joint or arthritis can occur after mechanical injury, prolonged walking, or vertical loading. The process involves each joint (upper and lower limbs plus all the joints that make up the chest and spine) with a single or paired lesion. Inflammation attracts not only the articular components, but also all the surrounding tissue layers, this fact depends on the depth of the lesion. With high quality treatment, inflammation is eliminated and cartilage tissue is gradually restored.
Destructive joint pathology or osteoarthritis can be stopped only after treatment of the underlying disease or correction of metabolism or hormonal composition. The disease consists of partial or complete erosion of the cartilage plate. The exposed bone is covered with osteophytes, which create excruciating pain during movement. Further, the node loses its biomechanical ability, this is often the patient's fault - he tries to spare the diseased node, which ankylates quickly. It is this fact that explains the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis: with arthritis, the ability to move returns to the joints (unless the anatomical structure of the movement organ is damaged due to an accident or an infectious-inflammatory disease) and with osteoarthritis, the physiological ability tomoved returns partially to first-degree lesions, and at an advanced stage - only surgical.
Causes leading to the development of arthritis and osteoarthritis:
- Arthritis is caused by: mechanical injuries (bruising, stroke, open and closed fractures with or without the involvement of a microbial infection), continuous physical activity (running, walking, jumping, lifting weights) and physicochemical factors (asharp drop in temperature with hypothermia or overheating of the joints). Allergies and poisonings are also included in the group of causes that cause the disease. In childhood, arthritis is a consequence of beriberi and reduced immunity, as well as frequent injuries, especially to the joints of the lower extremities.
- Osteoarthritis has a wide range of causes, namely: hereditary connective tissue diseases, an increased background of allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, a rheumatic component, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, chronic liver and kidney diseases, as well as changes inhormonal composition of female and male hormones (estrogen and androgen). Sarcoma or carcinoma is one of the malignant neoplasms that leads to a destructive process in the bone tissue and cartilage plates. Intoxication of the body with poisons or added radiation is a clear mechanism for the development of osteoarthritis.
Important! After diagnostic manipulations, it becomes clear where arthritis and osteoarthritis are, what the difference is and how to treat it. Folk remedies can stifle the inflammatory process, but it is impossible to get rid of the disease, so consult a doctor!
Symptoms of joint disease
Clinical symptoms: what is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis
| Arthritis | arthrosis |
| Inflammation of the joint with its local redness + edematous increase in size. | Inflammatory processes extend not only to the diseased area of the joint, but also to the surrounding soft tissues with a violation of the anatomical pattern of the joints. |
| Pain syndrome: throbbing pain while walking and at rest. | The pain has a varied character: pulsating, sharp and painful. Partly sits with a certain attitude. |
| Temporary restriction of movement (complete or partial immobilization). | Permanent restriction on movement. Plus: savings or facilitation provisions are characteristic. In the last stage of the disease, the joint is completely paralyzed (it is impossible to undo, bend and rotate the joint). |
| An increase in temperature over the affected node. | The temperature above the joints is normal (36, 6 degrees). With destruction involving infection or tightening of the nerves, the body temperature rises to 37-38 degrees, especially at night. |
| Radiation pain in neighboring organs and systems, depending on location | It is characterized by pain radiation. |
| With a microbial infection, an increase in body temperature of up to 38-39 degrees is observed. | Infectious agents rarely combine. |
| The change of weather does not affect the diseased organ. | Painful joints react to weather conditions. |
| The patient has pain in one joint. | With osteoarthritis, some joints or the entire musculoskeletal system can be injured. |
Careful! When the first symptoms of inflammation appear in the joints of the fingers, there is no need to endure the pain and wait for the deformity of the joints - this will lead to irreversible processes in the form of anatomical changes and physiological disorders.
To the question: "arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference in the fingers? ", There is a reliable answer: a weakening of the grip of the fingers, a decrease in their sensitivity and unbearable pain during physical exercises that do not go away. after a night's break. Treatment is only medical.
The difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis of the knee joint is as follows: in arthritis, the pathology is eliminated after a course of treatment according to the therapeutic regimen and the biomechanics of the joint is restored after rehabilitation. In the case of osteoarthritis, depending on the degree of damage, the biomechanics undergoes partial restoration only after a surgical operation with correction of the articular structure.
These pathologies affect all joints, including the joints of the toes. Arthritis and osteoarthritis what is the difference between toes and toes? The fingers in the lower extremities undergo the same changes as in the hands: inflammation, swelling and pain. In osteoarthritis, the joints undergo destruction and deformation. The anatomical shape changes, when moving, a sharp or painful pain is felt. It is difficult to tread, after a long walk the pain does not stop. It leaves only after an injection of an analgesic.
Similar and different facts
Similarities of joint pathologies:
- Source of pathology (joints).
- Symptoms with a clinical picture.
- Diagnostic studies.
- Preventive actions.
- Recovery period.
- Drug therapy, exercise therapy and physiotherapy.
- Forecast.
Distinctive factors:
| Arthritis | arthrosis |
| There are acute and chronic course. | Chronic degenerative character. |
| A joint hurts. | Nodes are affected in pairs or systematically. |
| The pain syndrome completely disappears after medical therapy and rehabilitation. | The pain will always be present, will only go away with a certain body position and the administration of strong analgesics. |
| Both adults and children get sick. | The pathology is typical for the elderly or patients with chronic diseases that present with hormonal disorders or with changes in metabolism. |
| The pathology is most often characteristic of the ankle and elbow joints. | All joints are affected at the same time. |
| It is a disease in itself. | It is a consequence or complication of concomitant chronic diseases. |
| Temporary restriction of movement. | Permanent limitation of joint biomechanics. |
| The disease has a certain etiology - trauma or stress. Rarely there is intoxication or allergies of the body. | Age-related changes or chronic diseases. |
| Rehabilitation is short without irritations. | Rehabilitation is long with irritations. |
Patients often ask themselves the question: which doctor treats arthritis and osteoarthritis? With such pathologies, you should contact a traumatologist, a rheumatologist (if the pathology is of a rheumatoid nature) or a surgeon. Before consulting such doctors, you should be examined by the doctor attending the clinic in the place of residence, do laboratory tests (general and biochemical), do x-ray in three projections, MRI plus computed tomography. Then, get a recommendation for further consultation from specialists in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
Medical tactics
All patients, having found some symptoms in themselves or having a diagnosis already placed on the hands, seek information: "Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis with medication. "This is the right tactic, but treatment should only be prescribed by the attending physician and under his strict supervision.
Arthritis - treatment
Therapeutic tactics begin after a thorough instrumental and laboratory examination. It depends on the form and stage of the pathology, so the method of treatment is chosen individually, respectively:
- pain relievers, cider, up to narcotics group drugs, depending on the intensity of the pain;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- COX1 or COX2 group drugs (non-selective enzyme inhibitors) are prescribed;
- antispasmodics;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins: B12, B1, B6, A, D, PP;
- antioxidants: vitamin C;
- drugs that boost immunity;
- desensitizers;
- massage and exercise therapy.
Reducing physical activity, eliminating from the diet excessive consumption of salt and pepper, fried and fatty foods, as well as alcohol + smoking are integral components of therapeutic therapy. In diabetes - strictly follow a diet and take medications that regulate sugar levels.
Important! For the effective treatment of arthritis of any etiology (including the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis), a vitamin medication is recommended. It contains a certain dose of B1, B6 and B12.
What is the essence of the effectiveness of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in the treatment of arthritis? Thiamine relieves pain by reducing nerve excitability. Pyridoxine - stimulates sphingolipids of nerve fibers, plus increases the level of metabolism of the musculoskeletal system, improving the metabolism of amino acid components. Cyanocobalamin: acts on brain neurons, improves red blood cell production.
Osteoarthritis - treatment
To the specified scheme for the treatment of arthritis are added several points, namely:
- powerful analgesics to relieve pain;
- corticosteroid drugs;
- novocaine blockade;
- intra-articular injections of drugs that restore cartilage tissue;
Surgery is the best treatment option. First, this method of treatment eliminates the destructive components of the joint, artificially increasing the substance that replaces cartilage. Second, diseased ankle arthroplasty is performed. The rehabilitation period after surgery depends on the volume of the postoperative area and the individual physiological abilities of the body.
For both pathologies, topical treatment with ointments + gels based on painkillers, hormones and chondroprotectors is recommended. There is no need to ask yourself the question "arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference than treating ointments" - these medicines are prescribed for both diseases.
Folk remedies for arthritis and osteoarthritis
Once a joint is inflamed, everyone starts looking for information: arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference between treatment with folk remedies. Arthritis or osteoarthritis allows you to include some folk remedies in the therapeutic regimen. But! These healing substances are used only in parallel with complex therapy. They are able to eliminate pain and reduce inflammation. Traditional medicine is powerless to completely eradicate the disease.
- Propolis tincture: dissolve 50 g of propolis in 100 ml of vodka, leave for a week. Tincture rub the injured joints 3-5 times a day. Course of treatment until complete recovery.
- Garlic Tincture: Dip 5 large garlic cloves in a meat grinder, add a tablespoon of honey and 50 ml of pure alcohol. Insist 10 days. Rub the sore spots 2 times a day. After rubbing, place a bag on top leaving it for an hour.
- Caucasian hellebore: a spoonful of hellebore powder + a spoonful of bee honey + a spoonful of mustard powder and melted lard. Mix well and leave in a warm, dark place for 10 days. Then use as an ointment.
- Birch buds: pour 200 g of dry birch bud powder in 0, 5 liters of boiling water, insist for a day. It is recommended to drink 50 ml once or twice a day before meals.
- Burdock root tincture: crushed root is poured with a liter of vodka, injected for a month. This solution wipes the joints.
prevention
Preventive measures are aimed at preserving the cartilage layer plus joint functionality throughout life. To do this, do the following:
- Consider a nutritious diet, excluding fried foods, fatty + peppers, as well as salty, alcohol + nicotine.
- Use natural chondroprotectors in the form of jelly and jelly.
- To be examined constantly.
- Avoid strenuous physical exertion.
- Be careful, excluding joint injuries.
- Exercise in the morning, run, swim.
- Perform daily exercises for the joints of the limbs.
- Drink vitamins constantly.
- For preventative purposes, take chondroprotectors, calcium, potassium plus other minerals once every six months.
- After joint sprains or mechanical damage, be examined by a physician.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis are related diseases, so everyone should know what is arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference between what should be treated. Both pathologies can not be completely cured, especially osteoarthritis, which leads to immobilization of the joints. But timely treatment will help eliminate the disability and live a full life. And we must remember that folk remedies are not the main medicines, but auxiliary ones, which have their advantages after complex treatment.