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Arthritis and osteoarthritis: what are the similarities and differences between the diseases?

What are the differences between rheumatoid diseases?How do you recognize a problem in time?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue in which the patient has erosive-destructive damage to small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet).The result is bone erosion and its subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to a loss of ability to work.Around 60 million people worldwide suffer from this disease.The disease is more common in women with an average age of 30 to 35 years.

Joints affected by arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissue of the ankles, knees, shoulders, hip joints and feet.The progressive form develops into osteoarthritis, which leads to limitations in motor activity.The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at the same time.Sometimes in different places, for example the knee and hip on the same limb.

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

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system, the joints of the knees, elbows, ankles and the heart itself. Locally, the disease can affect the internal organs and systems of a person.The disease requires timely treatment.If this does not happen, complications with fatal outcomes will occur.

Key differences

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

Changes in arthritis:

  • the synovial membrane with fluid and the joint capsule become inflamed;
  • Heat;
  • redness in the painful area;
  • two joints hurt at the same time;
  • There is no deformation of the joint.

Inflammation of the cartilage tissue begins as a result of an infection, injury or disruption of the metabolic process.

Physiology of osteoarthritis:

  • altered joint;
  • Cartilage 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 he performs simple actions: bending, bending, stretching, raising legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or walking down the 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 lifestyle of a sick person is disrupted.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?

Illnesses bring a lot of pain and trouble for the patient.

Arthritis occurs due to an inflammatory process in the body.He is being treated.It is important to see a specialist in a timely manner and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Osteoarthritis is an “old age disease” with changes inside the joint.Worn cartilage becomes thinner.The synovial fluid, which is a source of nutrition for the tissues, is not restored.The consequences of the disease are irreversible.A person's condition can be alleviated by a specialist who will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

diagnosis

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

  1. Blood test to detect uric acid.
  2. Ultrasound of the joint.
  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 osteoarthritis:

  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 noise?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
  2. Bone growths and joint deformations can be seen on x-rays.
  3. Analysis and histology of synovial fluid.
  4. Complete blood test.

Physical education

I would like to note that exercise therapy and swimming are effective in preventing and treating arthrosis.Physical activity is aimed at restoring joint mobility.Increasing blood flow to the affected area stimulates cleansing and restoration of joint tissue.

We must not forget the limitations of physiotherapy:

  1. It is carried out during the remission period without severe pain.
  2. In old age, the existing clinical picture or severe joint deterioration no longer allows physical activity.
  3. Overweight patients are permitted limited exercise without major strain.
  4. The effect of exercise therapy consists of regular exercises alternating with rest periods for the joint.

Rheumatoid diseases are treated by rheumatologists and orthopedic traumatologists.Early diagnosis and proper treatment allow you to live a life without complications.A patient who seeks help in a timely manner has the chance to continue living normally.With osteoarthritis, the disease is relieved, which stops the progression of the disease.And most importantly: don't be hindered.