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Arthritis and arthrosis: what are the similarities and differences between the diseases

What are the differences between rheumatoid diseases?How to detect a problem in time?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, in which the patient is affected by the small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive manner.The result is bone erosion and its subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to loss of ability to work.Around 60 million people worldwide suffer from this disease.The disease is more common in women with an average age between 30 and 35 years.

joints affected by arthritis and arthrosis

Rheumatoid osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilaginous tissue of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip and foot joints.The progressive form develops into osteoarthritis, which creates restrictions on a person's motor activity.The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at the same time.Sometimes in different cases, for example knee and hip on the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is an urgent problem of modern rheumatology.In addition to the joints, the disease spreads to internal organs and muscles.The disease develops symmetrically on both arms or legs.The disease often leads to disability.

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, the joints of the knees, elbows, ankles and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease requires timely treatment.If this is not done, complications with a fatal outcome will occur.

Main differences

Sufferers turn to the doctor complaining of joint discomfort, pain and limited mobility.The symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis are similar, but there are characteristic differences.

Changes in arthritis:

  • the synovial membrane with fluid and the joint capsule become inflamed;
  • Heat;
  • redness in the painful area;
  • two joints hurt at the same time;
  • There is no deformation of the joint.

Inflammation of the cartilage tissue begins with an infection, injury or disturbance in the metabolic process.

Physiology of osteoarthritis:

  • changed joint;
  • cartilaginous tissue worn by age;
  • no inflammation, swelling and redness are observed;
  • normal temperature;
  • Only one joint was affected.

Diseases bring suffering to a person when performing simple actions: bending, bending, stretching, lifting legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

The diseases have common symptoms:

  • difficulty walking;
  • presence of pain in the inflamed area;
  • poor mobility of the problem area.

The usual way of life of a sick person is disrupted.Every morning, getting out of bed, you need to “disperse” yourself to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.

What is more dangerous?

Diseases bring a lot of pain and problems to the patient.

Arthritis occurs due to an inflammatory process in the body.He is being treated.It is important to consult a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Osteoarthritis is an "old man's disease" with alterations within the joint.Worn cartilage becomes thinner.Synovial fluid, which is a source of tissue nutrition, is not replenished.The consequences of the disease are irreversible.A person's condition can be alleviated by a specialist who will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Diagnostics

It consists of carrying out various procedures and activities.During the exam, the doctor asks the arthritis patient about previous infections and injuries.Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnostics:

  1. Blood test to detect uric acid.
  2. Ultrasound of the joint.
  3. X-ray of the affected area.
  4. CT.
  5. Arthroscopy.

The results show the complete clinical picture of the disease.

Step-by-step diagnosis of osteoarthritis:

  1. The doctor visually evaluates the mobility of the joint.Are there ossified areas in the problem area or not and is there a crunching sound?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
  2. Bone growths and joint deformations can be observed using an x-ray.
  3. Analysis and histology of synovial fluid.
  4. Complete blood test.

Physical education

I would like to note that physical therapy and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.The increased blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleaning and restoration of the joint tissue.

We must not forget the limitations of physical therapy:

  1. It is carried out during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
  2. At an older age, the existing bouquet of diseases or severe degradation of the joint does not allow physical exercise.
  3. Overweight patients can do a limited amount of exercise without excessive strain.
  4. The effect of physical therapy consists of regular exercises alternating with periods of rest for the joint.

Rheumatoid diseases are treated by rheumatologists and orthopedic traumatologists.Early diagnosis and proper treatment will allow you to live without complications.A patient who seeks help in time will have a chance to continue to exist normally.With osteoarthritis, this is a relief from the condition, halting the progress of the disease.And most importantly, don't become disabled.