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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 small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive manner.The result is bone erosion and subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to loss of ability to work.Around 60 million people around the world suffer from this disease.The disease is most common in women with an average age of 30 to 35 years.

joints affected by arthritis and arthrosis

Rheumatoid osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilaginous tissue of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip joints and feet.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 ones, for example, knee and hip on the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is a pressing problem in modern rheumatology.In addition to the joints, the disease spreads to internal organs and muscles.The disease develops symmetrically on the 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 needs timely treatment.If this is not done, fatal complications will occur.

Main differences

Sick people come to the doctor complaining of joint discomfort, pain and difficulty in moving around.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;
  • warm up;
  • redness in the painful area;
  • two joints hurt at the same time;
  • There is no deformation of the joint.

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

Osteoarthritis physiology:

  • altered articulation;
  • cartilaginous tissue worn away with age;
  • 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, extending, 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 disturbed.Every morning, when you get out of bed, you have to “disperse” to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.

What is more dangerous?

Diseases bring a lot of pain and discomfort 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 changes inside the joint.Worn cartilage becomes thinner.Synovial fluid, which is a source of tissue nutrition, is not restored.The consequences of the disease are irreversible.A person's condition can be alleviated by a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosis

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

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

The results show the clinical picture of the disease in full.

Step-by-step diagnosis of arthrosis:

  1. The doctor visually assesses 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 deformation can be seen using an x-ray.
  3. Analysis and histology of synovial fluid.
  4. Complete blood test.

Physical education

I would like to emphasize that exercise therapy and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.Increased blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleansing and restoration of joint tissue.

We must not forget the limitations of physiotherapy:

  1. It is carried out during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
  2. In old age, a set of existing diseases or severe degradation of the joint do not allow the practice of physical exercise.
  3. Overweight patients can do a limited amount of exercise without serious effort.
  4. The effect of exercise therapy consists of regular exercise 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 existing normally.In osteoarthritis, this alleviates the condition, stopping the progress of the disease.And most importantly, don't become incapacitated.