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

What is the difference between rheumatoid diseases? How to detect the problem in time?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, during which the disease affects the patient's small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive type. The result is bone erosion and its subsequent deformation. Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and cause disability. About 60 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. Diseases mostly affect women whose average age is between 30 and 35.

joints affected by arthritis and arthrosis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissues 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 in two symmetrical joints at the same time. Sometimes different, for example, knee and hip in one limb.

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

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, knee, elbow, ankle joints 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, there will be complications with a fatal outcome.

The main differences

Sick people turn to the doctor with complaints of joint discomfort, pain and limited movement. The symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis are similar, but there are characteristic differences.

arthritis changes:

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

Cartilage inflammation begins with infection, injury, or disruption of metabolic processes.

Physiology of arthrosis:

  • modified combination;
  • cartilaginous tissue worn out with age;
  • inflammation, swelling and redness are not observed;
  • normal temperature;
  • only one joint was affected.

Diseases make a person suffer when performing simple movements: bending, stooping, straightening, raising legs or arms. The patient sits in a chair with difficulty and goes down the stairs.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of the disease are:

  • difficulty walking;
  • the 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, getting out of bed, relieving pain, and going to the kitchen, you need to "break down".

What is more dangerous

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

Arthritis is caused by inflammation in the body. He is being treated. It is important to contact a specialist in time, to wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Arthrosis is a "disease of the elderly" accompanied by changes within the joint. Worn cartilage becomes thinner. The synovial fluid, which is the source of tissue nutrition, is not restored. The consequences of the disease are irreversible. It can be a specialist who diagnoses and prescribes treatment to alleviate a person's condition.

Diagnostics

It consists of the implementation of various procedures and activities. During the examination, the doctor learns about past infections and injuries from the patient with arthritis. Determines the course of the disease and determines the diagnosis:

  1. Blood test to detect uric acid.
  2. Joint 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. Visually, the doctor evaluates the mobility of the joint. Whether or not ossified areas can be observed in the problem area, a crackling sound can be heard. What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
  2. Bone growth and deformity of the joint help to see radiographs.
  3. Synovial fluid analysis and histology.
  4. Complete blood count.

physical education

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 blood flow in the affected area stimulates cleaning and regeneration of joint tissues.

We must not forget the limitations of physiotherapy exercises:

  1. It is carried out during the period of remission if there is no severe pain.
  2. In old age, a set of existing diseases or serious degradation of the joint does not allow physical exercises.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed to exercise in a limited amount without a serious load.
  4. The effect of exercise therapy is regular exercise alternating with periods of rest for the joint.

Treatment of rheumatic diseases is carried out 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 his normal existence. With arthrosis, it is the alleviation of the condition that stops the progression of the disease. And most importantly, don't be disabled.