What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis, their symptoms and treatment

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 joints (cartilage, meniscus, intra-articular structure and tendon-muscle corset) with inflammation of soft tissues, disruption of anatomical structure and physiological destruction.

Separately, these pathologies are: arthritis is an inflammatory process involving a group of enzymes that aim to destroy the connective tissue of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the destruction of the joints, ie irreversible phenomena with complete or partial deformation of all joint components with limitation of the biomechanics of the organ. When excluding these pathologies plus the application of proper prevention, you need to know everything about arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference than to treat.

Specifics, differences and reasons

The difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is as follows: arthritis can be eliminated with medication, and osteoarthritis with medication plus surgery and only after removing the root cause, such as comorbidities, metabolic disorders or injuries. Inflammation of the joint or arthritis can occur after a 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 double lesion. Inflammation attracts not only the joint components, but also all layers of surrounding tissues, this fact depends on the depth of the lesion. With high-quality treatment, the inflammation is eliminated and the cartilage tissue is gradually restored.

Destructive pathology of the joints or arthrosis can be stopped only after treatment of the underlying disease or correction of metabolism or hormonal composition. The disease consists of partial or complete erasure of the cartilage plate. The exposed bone is covered with osteophytes, which create unbearable pain when moving. In addition, the joint loses its biomechanical ability, this is often the fault of the patient - he tries to spare the diseased joint, which quickly ankyloses. It is this fact that explains the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis: in arthritis the ability to move returns to the joint (unless the anatomical structure of the organ was not disturbed due to an accident or infectious-inflammatory disease), and in osteoarthritis the physiological ability to move isrecovers partially in lesions of the first degree, and in an advanced stage - only surgically.

Causes leading to the development of arthritis and osteoarthritis:

1. Arthritis is caused by: mechanical injuries (bruises, blows, open and closed fractures with or without microbial infection), constant physical activity (running, walking, jumping, lifting weights) and physicochemical factors (acute decline intemperature with hypothermia or overheating of the joints). Allergies and poisonings are also included in the group of causes of the disease. In childhood, arthritis is the result of beriberi and reduced immunity, as well as frequent injuries, especially to the joints of the lower extremities.
2. Osteoarthritis has a wide range of causes, namely: hereditary connective tissue diseases, increased background of allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, rheumatic component, metabolic disorders, diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys, and changes in hormonal compositionof female and male hormones (estrogen and androgen). Sarcoma or carcinoma is one of the malignant neoplasms leading to a destructive process in bone tissue and cartilage plates. Intoxication of the body with toxins or increased radiation is a clear mechanism for the development of osteoarthritis.

Important! After diagnostic manipulations it becomes clear where arthritis and osteoarthritis are, what is the difference and how to treat it. Folk remedies can suppress 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

> zxtable border = "1" cellpadding = "0" >Arthritis Osteoarthritis Inflammation of the joint with its local redness + edematous increase in size. Inflammatory processes extend not only to the diseased area of the joints, but also to the surrounding soft tissues in violation of the anatomical design of the joints. Pain syndrome: throbbing pain when walking and at rest. The pain has a diverse nature: throbbing, sharp and painful. Partially disappears with a certain posture. Temporary restriction of movement (complete or partial immobilization). Constant traffic restriction. Plus: sparing or facilitating provisions are typical. In the last stage of the disease, the joint is completely paralyzed (it is impossible to unfold, bend and rotate the joint). Increase in temperature on the affected joint. The temperature above the joint is normal (36, 6 degrees). When destroyed, including infection or pinching of nerves, body temperature rises to 37-38 degrees, especially at night. Radiating pain to neighboring organs and systems, depending on the location It is characterized by radiation of pain. In microbial infection, fever up to 38-39 degrees is observed. Infectious agents are rarely associated. The change of time does not affect the diseased organ. Painful joints respond to weather conditions. The patient has pain in one joint. Osteoarthritis can injure several joints or the entire musculoskeletal system.

Attention! When the first symptoms of inflammation appear in the joints of the fingers, there is no need to suffer pain and wait for 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 between the fingers? ", There is a reliable answer: weakening the grip of the fingers, reducing their sensitivity and unbearable pain during exercise, which does not disappear after a night's rest. The 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 osteoarthritis, depending on the degree of damage, biomechanics can be partially restored only after surgery to correct the joint structure.

These pathologies affect all joints, including the joints of the toes. Arthritis and osteoarthritis what is the difference between toes and fingers? The fingers of the lower extremities undergo the same changes as the fingers: inflammation, swelling and pain. In osteoarthritis, the joints are destroyed and deformed. The anatomical shape changes, sharp or painful pain is felt when moving. It is difficult to step on, after a long walk the pain does not stop. It disappears only after injection of an analgesic.

Similar and different facts

Similarities of joint pathologies:

1. Source of pathology (joints).
2. Symptoms with clinical picture.
3. Diagnostic tests.
4. Preventive actions.
5. Recovery period.
6. Drug therapy, exercise therapy and physiotherapy.
7. Forecast.

Distinctive factors:

> zxtable border = "1" cellpadding = "0" >Arthritis Osteoarthritis There is an acute and chronic course. Chronic degenerative nature. One joint hurts. The joints are affected in pairs or systemically. The pain syndrome completely disappears after drug therapy and rehabilitation. The pain will always be present, disappears only in a certain position of the body and the use of strong analgesics. Both adults and children get sick. The pathology is characteristic of the elderly or patients with chronic diseases that occur with hormonal disorders or changes in metabolism. The pathology is more common in the ankle and elbow joints. All joints are affected simultaneously. This is a separate disease. It is a consequence or complication of chronic comorbidities. Temporary restriction of movement. Permanent limitation of joint biomechanics. The disease has a certain etiology - trauma or stress. Rarely there is intoxication or allergy of the body. Age-related changes or chronic diseases. Rehabilitation is short without exacerbations. Rehabilitation is long with exacerbations.

Patients often ask the question: which doctor treats arthritis and osteoarthritis? In such pathologies you should contact a traumatologist, rheumatologist (if the pathology is rheumatoid) or a surgeon. Before consulting such doctors, you should be examined by the attending physician at the clinic at the place of residence, take laboratory tests (general and biochemical), do X-rays in three projections, MRI plus computed tomography. Then get a referral for additional consultation from specialists in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

Medical tactics

After finding any symptoms on their own or already diagnosed, all patients seek information: "Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis with medication. " This is the right tactic, but treatment should be prescribed only 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, namely:

1. drugs that relieve cider pain, to drugs from the drug group, depending on the intensity of pain;
2. non-steroidal drugs;
3. drugs from the group of COX1 or COX2 (non-selective enzyme inhibitors) are prescribed;
4. antispasmodics;
5. muscle relaxants;
6. chondroprotectors;
7. vitamins: B12, B1, B6, A, D, PP;
8. antioxidants: vitamin C;
9. drugs that increase immunity;
10. desensitizers;
11. massage and therapeutic exercise.

Reduction of physical activity, exclusion from the diet of excessive consumption of salt and pepper, fried foods and fatty foods, as well as alcohol + smoking are integral components of therapeutic therapy. With diabetes - follow a strict diet and take medications that regulate sugar levels.

Important! Vitamin medication is recommended for the effective treatment of arthritis of any etiology (including rheumatoid arthritis). 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 nervous excitability. Pyridoxine - stimulates the 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 the production of red blood cells.

Osteoarthritis - treatment

Several points are added to this arthritis treatment scheme, namely:

1. powerful analgesics to relieve pain;
2. corticosteroid drugs;
3. novocaine blockade;
4. intra-articular injections of drugs that repair cartilage tissue;

Surgery is the best treatment option. First, this method of treatment eliminates the destructive components of the joint, artificially increases the substance that replaces cartilage. Secondly, arthroplasty of the diseased joint is performed. The rehabilitation period after the operation depends on the volume of the postoperative area and the individual physiological abilities of the organism.

In both pathologies, topical treatment with ointments + gels based on painkillers, hormones and chondroprotectors is recommended. You do not need to ask yourself the question "arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference between treatment with ointments" - these drugs are prescribed for both diseases.

Folk remedies for arthritis and osteoarthritis

Once a joint becomes inflamed, everyone starts looking for information: arthritis and osteoarthritis, what is the difference between folk remedies. Arthritis or osteoarthritis allows you to include some folk remedies in the therapeutic regimen. But! These medicinal 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.

1. Propolis tincture: dissolve 50 g of propolis in 100 ml of vodka, leave for a week. Tincture rub inflamed joints 3-5 times a day. The course of treatment until full recovery.
2. Garlic tincture: 5 heads of large garlic pass through a meat grinder, add a spoonful of honey and 50 ml of pure alcohol. Insist 10 days. Rub the sore spots 2 times a day. After rubbing, place the bag on top, leaving for an hour.
3. Caucasian hellebore: a tablespoon of hellebore powder + a spoonful of 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.
4. Birch buds: pour 200 g of dry powder of birch buds in 0, 5 liters of boiling water, insist one day. It is recommended to drink 50 ml once or twice a day before meals.
5. Burdock root tincture: crushed root is poured a liter of vodka, infused for a month. This tincture wipes the joints.

Prevention

Preventive measures are aimed at preserving the cartilage layer plus the functionality of the joint throughout life. To do this, do the following:

• Consider a nutritious diet that excludes fried foods, fatty + peppery, as well as salty, alcohol + nicotine.
• Use natural chondroprotectors in the form of jellies and jellies.
• It is constantly reviewed.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Be careful to exclude joint injuries.
• Do morning exercises, run, swim.
• Do daily exercises for the joints of the limbs.
• Drink vitamins constantly.
• For preventive purposes, take chondroprotectors, calcium, potassium plus other minerals once every six months.
• After a sprained joint or mechanical injury should be examined by a doctor.

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are related diseases, so everyone needs to know what arthritis and osteoarthritis are, what the difference is between what to treat. Both pathologies cannot be completely cured, especially osteoarthritis, which leads to immobilization of the joints. But timely treatment will help eliminate disability and live a full life. And we must remember that folk remedies are not the main drugs, but ancillary, which have their advantages after complex treatment.