People suffering from joint diseases are often interested in: arthritis and arthrosis - what is the difference between them. These diseases affect one third of the population aged 36-49 and one in two aged 50-70. In older people, the pathology occurs in 90% of people. These diseases have similarities and differences.
How does arthritis differ from arthrosis?
Usually, the difference between these diseases is manifested in their names. From the Latin language, diseases with the suffix "-it" in their terminology indicate an inflammatory process taking place in the body. If the name contains the combination "-oz", it indicates tissue destruction. Arthritis and arthrosis are no exception. The first disease manifests itself in the swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane. The second disease is the destruction of cartilage and nearby bone areas.
The cause of arthritis and arthrosis
Many factors can contribute to the development of both the first and second diseases. There are five such "provocateurs":
- Prolonged intense stress on the joints. This reason is most often observed in athletes.
- Hypothermia - regular contact with cold water, snow and so on.
- Joint injury.
- Genetic predisposition - diseases are inherited.
- Congenital diseases of bones and connective tissues.
The special "provocateurs" of arthritis are:
- infections that have entered the body, causing inflammation;
- overweight;
- poor nutrition (the body's defense system suffers due to the lack of valuable substances).
Arthrosis is a disease that develops independently of diseases of other organs and systems. That is, this disease is not related to the general condition of the body. Such "provocateurs" are called:
- hormonal disorders in the body;
- Perthes disease;
- bleeding;
- severe poisoning of the body;
- age-related cartilage degeneration.
Rheumatoid arthritis can provoke arthrosis if the disease is not treated properly. This situation is completely natural, because the cartilage tissue's nutrition is disturbed due to the degeneration of the synovial fluid. As a result, it leads to destruction. For this reason, it is very important to see a doctor immediately if you notice any warning signs from your body.
Symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis
These diseases differ in their clinical appearance. In addition, arthritis and arthrosis - what is the difference between them, you can see the zone of localization of diseases. The inflammatory process attacks the following parts of the body:
- joints;
- liver;
- heart and blood vessels;
- lungs;
- kidney.
Arthrosis affects only the joints:
- hip;
- metatarsophalangeal on the legs;
- knee;
- interphalangeal on the hands.
Arthritis and arthrosis are common signs. These include the following symptoms:
- stiffness of movement;
- pain sensations;
- loss of motor skills.
Arthritis - signs
The following factors indicate the development of the disease:
- stiffness in the morning;
- an increase in body temperature in the area where the inflammatory process occurs (this area becomes hot to the touch);
- soft tissue swelling near the affected joint;
- pain (at rest and during exercise);
- skin redness.
Symptoms of arthritis when the disease affects other organs and systems:
- despondency;
- violation of heart rhythm;
- chills;
- conjunctivitis;
- an increase in body temperature up to 39 ° C;
- pain during urination.
Arthrosis - signs
One of the main symptoms of this disease is pain. They appear both at rest and when the joint is stressed. In addition, symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:
- decrease in the amplitude of movement;
- crackling (due to destruction of the cartilaginous membrane);
- limb deformity.
Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis
Before starting therapy, a diagnosis is made. It includes such activities as:
- radiography;
- taking a general blood test;
- arthroscopy;
- Ultrasound of connective tissues.
The difference between arthritis and arthrosis in the treatment of these diseases is practically absent. The therapy consists of the following steps:
- pain relief;
- maintenance of connective tissue;
- elimination of stiffness;
- reduces the risk of relapse.
Treatment of these diseases involves an integrated approach. It aims to reduce the inflammatory process in arthritis, and to restore the cartilage tissue in arthrosis. Treatment involves the use of the following methods:
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- drug therapy;
- diet food.
The difference in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis can be seen in the doctor's prescriptions. So, if the inflammatory process is infectious, antibiotics are prescribed during therapy. When autoimmune arthritis is diagnosed, steroid hormones are prescribed. However, you cannot choose medicine alone. This treatment is not safe. At first, you may even have the feeling that the disease has receded: the pain eases, the stiffness disappears. However, in reality, the situation is not what it seems. Although the obvious signs disappear, the disease continues to develop.
Arthritis and arthrosis are treated with injections, tablets and ointments - what is the difference between such treatments, the doctor will tell you in detail. He will prescribe the optimal scheme of drug therapy. In order to increase the effect, orthopedic correction of violations is carried out. If medical treatment is not able to cope with these diseases and they develop into a severe form, surgical intervention is performed.
Which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis?
In order for the disease not to go into a neglected form, you need to seek medical help in time. To do this, you need to know which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis. The following specialists are involved in the treatment of these diseases in domestic clinics:
- Rheumatologist - they refer to him with mild symptoms of the disease. The doctor performs an examination, refers the patient to an X-ray examination, and then prescribes the optimal treatment.
- Surgeon - helps to cope with unbearable discomfort.
- Orthopedist - specializes in chronic pain.
Ointments for arthritis and arthritis
External agents have the following effects:
- blood circulation improves;
- antimicrobial effect is achieved;
- cartilage nutrition is normalized;
- pain sensation decreases;
- provides a warming effect.
In the home treatment of arthritis and arthrosis, the following groups of ointments are well proven:
- vasodilators;
- heating;
- pain relievers;
- anti-inflammatory.
The effectiveness of the use of external agents is low. About 7% of the active ingredients reach the affected joint through the skin. For this reason, doctors recommend ointments only in the initial stages of the disease. In addition, these drugs can be used as an additional means of complex therapy. The duration of use of such an ointment is determined individually by the doctor in each case.
More often, such anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, warming and vasodilating ointments are prescribed.
Tablets against arthrosis and arthritis
The following antibiotics may be prescribed:
- macrolides;
- tetracyclines;
- fluoroquinolones.
In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chondroprotectors for the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis may be prescribed.
Arthrosis, arthritis - treatment with folk remedies
Various remedies can be used to combat these diseases. Folk remedies are very popular. They have undeniable advantages: availability, easy production and naturalness. However, these should only be used after consultation with your doctor. You know what is arthritis, arthritis, what is the difference between them, so it will help you choose the best remedy. Uncontrolled intake of homemade "drugs" is not safe.
Arthrosis, arthritis - alternative treatment with blackcurrants
- black currant leaves - 4-5 g;
- water - 250 ml.
- Raw materials should be poured with boiling water and kept in a water bath for 20 minutes.
- The medicine must be filtered and 1 tablespoon drunk. spoon three times a day.
- The remaining product is stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Diet for arthritis and joint arthrosis
A properly selected nutritional system helps alleviate the condition of patients. The diet for arthritis and arthrosis excludes the consumption of the following foods:
- strong coffee and tea;
- salinity;
- chocolate
- alcoholic drinks;
- margarine and butter;
- chips and fries;
- egg yolk;
- cod liver.
After the doctor has diagnosed arthritis and arthritis and explained to the patient what is the difference between them, he can recommend a diet that includes the consumption of such foods:
- ginger;
- almond;
- apples
- black beans;
- salmon
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- beef;
- chicken and so on.
Prevention of arthritis and arthrosis
Diseases are much easier to prevent than to fight them later. Diseases of arthrosis, arthritis include the following preventive measures:
- Proper balanced nutrition.
- Do not overload the joints - alternate between mental and physical work.
- Refuse bad habits.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Wear orthopedic shoes.
- Protect joints from hypothermia and injury.
- Gymnastics, swimming and other sports that do not overload the joints.