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

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

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, in which the patient affects small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive way. 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. The diseases are more frequently affected by women, whose average age is 30 to 35 years.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilaginous tissues of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip joints and feet. The progressive form flows 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, for example, knee and hip in one limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is a real problem in modern rheumatology. The disease, in addition to the joints, spreads to the internal organs and muscles. The disease develops symmetrically in 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 needs timely treatment. If this is not done, there will be complications with a fatal outcome.

Main differences

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

arthritis changes:

• the synovial membrane with fluid, the joint capsule becomes inflamed;
• Warm;
• redness in the painful area;
• two joints hurt at the same time;
• without joint deformity.

Cartilage inflammation starts from an infection, injury or disturbance in the metabolic process.

Osteoarthritis physiology:

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

Illnesses bring suffering to a person by performing simple actions: bending, bending, straightening, lifting legs or arms. The patient barely sits in a chair, goes down the stairs.

Signs and symptoms

The diseases have common symptoms:

• difficulty walking;
• the presence of pain in the inflamed area;
• low 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 need to "disperse" to go to the kitchen, mastering the pain.

what is more dangerous

Illnesses bring a lot of pain and problems 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 the elderly" with changes within 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, it may be a specialist who will establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosis

It consists of carrying out various procedures and activities. During the examination, the doctor learns from the arthritis patient information about previous infections and injuries. Determines the course of the disease and prescribes the diagnosis:

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

The results show the full clinical picture of the disease.

Step-by-step diagnosis of osteoarthritis:

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

Physical training

I would like to note that exercise therapy, swimming - effectively helps in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis. Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility. Increasing the movement of blood flow in the affected area stimulates the cleaning and restoration of joint tissues.

We must not forget about the limitations of physical therapy exercises:

1. It is performed during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
2. In old age, the set of existing diseases or the severe degradation of the joint do not allow the practice of physical exercises.
3. Overweight patients can do a limited amount of exercise without a serious load.
4. The effect of exercise therapy is regular exercise, alternating with rest periods 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 the chance to continue existing normally. With osteoarthritis, this is a relief from the condition, stopping the progress of the disease. And most importantly, don't become disabled.