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

What are the differences between rheumatoid diseases?How to detect the problem in time?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, in which patients are affected in an erosive-destructive manner in 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 working ability.About 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 arthrosis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissue of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip and foot joints.The progressive form develops into osteoarthritis, which creates limitations in a person's motor activity.The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at once.Sometimes in different, for example, knee and hip on the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is a burning problem of modern rheumatology.In addition to 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, knee joints, elbows, ankle joints and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease requires timely treatment.Failure to do so will result in fatal complications.

The main differences

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

Arthritis changes:

  • 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 with an infection, an injury or a disturbance in the metabolic process.

Physiology of arthrosis:

  • changed joint;
  • cartilage tissue worn away with age;
  • inflammation, swelling and redness are not observed;
  • normal temperature;
  • Only one joint is affected.

Diseases bring suffering to a person when he performs simple actions: bending, bending, stretching, lifting his legs or arms.It is difficult for the patient to sit on a chair or go down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

The disease has common symptoms:

  • 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 disrupted.Every morning, getting out of bed, you have to "break up" to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.

What is more dangerous?

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

Arthritis is caused by an inflammatory process in the body.He is being treated.It is important to consult a specialist in time, and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Arthrosis is an "old man's disease" with changes within the joint.The worn cartilage becomes thinner.Synovial fluid, which is the source of tissue nutrition, is not renewed.The consequences of the disease are irreversible.A person's condition can be alleviated by a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Diagnostics

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

  1. A blood test to detect uric acid.
  2. Ultrasound of the joint.
  3. X-ray of the affected area.
  4. CT.
  5. Arthroscopy.

The results show the clinical picture of the disease in full.

Diagnosis of arthrosis step by step:

  1. The doctor visually assesses the mobility of the joint.Are there any ossified areas in the problem area or not and is there a crunching sound?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
  2. Bony growths and joint deformations can be seen on an X-ray.
  3. Synovial fluid analysis and histology.
  4. Complete blood test.

Physical education

I would like to mention that exercise and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis.Physical activity is aimed at restoring joint mobility.By increasing blood flow to the affected area, the cleaning and restoration of the joint tissue is stimulated.

We must not forget about the limitations of physical therapy:

  1. It is performed in the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
  2. In old age, the existing bouquet of diseases or serious degradation of the joint does not allow physical exercises.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed to do a limited amount of exercise without severe strain.
  4. The effect of exercise therapy consists of regular exercises alternating with periods of rest 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 opportunity to continue to exist normally.In arthrosis, this is the relief of the condition, stopping the progression of the disease.And most importantly, don't become disabled.