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Arthritis and osteoarthritis: What are the similarities of diseases and differences

What is the difference between rheumatoid diseases from each other? How to identify the problem in time?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory connective tissue disease in which the patient affects small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive form. The result is bone erosion and its subsequent deformation. Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to disability. About 60 million people in the world suffer from this disease. Diseases are more likely to affect women, whose average age is between 30 and 35 years.

joints affected by arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip joints and feet. The progressive form leads to osteoarthritis, which limits a person's motor activity. The disease can develop simultaneously in two symmetrical joints. Sometimes in different ones, for example knees and hips on one limb.

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

Rheumatism affects the connective tissues 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 must be treated in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in fatal complications.

main differences

Sick people come to the doctor with problems in their joints, pain and limited mobility. The symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis are similar, but there are distinctive differences.

Arthritis Changes:

  • the synovial membrane with fluid, the joint capsule becomes inflamed;
  • Warmth;
  • redness in the painful area;
  • two joints hurt at the same time;
  • no joint deformity.

Cartilage inflammation is caused by an infection, injury or metabolic disorder.

Physiology of osteoarthritis:

  • modified joint;
  • age-related worn cartilage tissue;
  • Inflammation, swelling and redness are not observed;
  • normal temperature;
  • only one joint was affected.

Diseases bring suffering to a person when performing simple actions: bending, bending, stretching, raising legs or arms. The patient hardly sits in a chair, goes down the stairs.

signs and symptoms

Diseases have common symptoms:

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

The patient's usual way of life is disturbed. Every morning when you get out of bed you have to "disperse" yourself to go to the kitchen and overcome the pain.

What is more dangerous

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

Arthritis occurs due to inflammation in the body. He's being treated. It is important to contact a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Osteoarthritis is a "disease of old age" with changes inside the joint. Worn cartilage becomes thinner. Synovial fluid, which is the source of tissue nutrition, is not restored. The consequences of the disease are irreversible. To alleviate a person's condition, a specialist can make a diagnosisand prescribe treatment.

diagnosis

It consists in carrying out various procedures and activities. During the examination, the doctor learns from the patient with osteoarthritis information about past infections and injuries. Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnostics:

  1. Blood test to detect uric acid.
  2. Common ultrasound.
  3. X-ray of the affected area.
  4. CT.
  5. arthroscopy.

The results fully show the clinical picture of the disease.

Step-by-step diagnosis of arthrosis:

  1. The doctor visually assesses the mobility of the joint. Whether or not ossified areas are observed in the problem area, whether a crunch is heard. What condition are the muscles around the painful joint in?
  2. Bone growths and deformities of the joint help to see the x-ray.
  3. Analysis and histology of synovial fluid.
  4. Complete blood count.

Body training

I would like to note that exercise therapy, swimming - effectively help in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis. Physical activity is aimed at restoring joint mobility. Increasing the movement of blood flow in the affected area stimulates the cleansing and repair of joint tissues.

We must not forget about the limitations of physiotherapy exercises:

  1. It is performed during the period of remission without severe pain.
  2. In old age, the existing diseases or serious deterioration of the joint do not allow physical exercises.
  3. Obese patients are allowed limited exercise without serious strain.
  4. The effect of movement therapy is regular movement alternating with periods of rest for the joint.

Rheumatoid diseases are treated by rheumatologists and orthopedists and traumatologists. Early diagnosis and the right treatment will enable you to live a life without complications. A patient who seeks help in time has a chance to continue living normally. With arthrosis, this is a relief from the condition and stops the progression of the disease. And most importantly, you won't be handicapped.