Our joints are complex and reliable mechanisms that nature itself has created. Their work is invisible as long as the joints are healthy. But when they start to hurt, the world loses its former brightness. One of the most common joint diseases are arthritis and arthrosis. Many confuse them, and sometimes do not know at all what the differences are, because in both cases the joints hurt. Similar names are also misleading. In this publication, we will tell you how arthritis differs from arthrosis, about the symptoms of these diseases and the methods of treatment. Despite the similarity of names, these are completely different ailments.
What are arthritis and arthrosis: the differences
First of all, the diseases differ in names: they both have the same Latin root, but different endings. Already by the designation of the end, you can remember what is the difference between arthritis and arthrosis. The Latin ending "-oz" denotes a degenerative process, destruction. The ending "-it" indicates an inflammatory process. The difference between arthrosis and arthritis is obvious: diseases have a completely different nature and course. But let's understand in more detail what arthrosis and arthritis are and what symptoms accompany them.
Osteoarthritis is the result of aging and deterioration of the joint
Arthrosis is the deformation and abrasion of the joint capsule, which allows the joint to move easily. The disease entails structural changes, damage to the cartilage and destruction of its tissues. As a rule, arthrosis occurs after 45-50 years and is the result of the natural aging process of the body. In elderly people over 60 years of age, the disease is diagnosed in 80% with complaints of pain in the legs.
In young people, arthrosis most often develops as a post-traumatic phenomenon, for example, after fractures and bruises. It is often diagnosed in professional athletes.
Often, arthrosis affects the knee, ankle and hip joints, that is, those that experience the most daily stress. Musicians often suffer from wrist joints and fingers. By itself, arthrosis proceeds slowly, therefore, in the early stages, the symptoms are less pronounced.
Symptoms of arthrosis
the main symptom is pain, which manifests itself during movement and after physical exertion. As a rule, the pain in arthrosis is aching, not very strong and goes away at rest, in a comfortable position;
Frequent crunching is a deep sound that occurs as a result of bone rubbing;
stiffness of movements is local, only the movement of the diseased joint is disturbed;
appearance - there may be deformation of the cartilage, in the later stages, slight swelling.
Types of arthrosis
Primary - arises as a result of the natural aging process of the joint.
Secondary - develops against the background of trauma, as a post-traumatic manifestation.
Arthritis is a serious disease of the body
While arthrosis is usually diagnosed in people over 45, arthritis can occur at any age. As we have already said, this is an inflammatory process that takes place in the joints, but affects the entire body at once. The disease is associated with malfunctions in the immune system.
Why do joints hurt? The fact is that the immune bodies that are produced in this disease attack the joints. Therefore, with arthritis, any joints can hurt: several at once or only one. Arthritis most often appears after severe stress, anxiety, against the background of decreased immunity and hypothermia, as well as as a result of metabolic disorders.
Arthritis symptoms
pain in arthritis, in contrast to pain in arthrosis, decreases during movement, but increases and becomes chronic at rest. Most often, the pain intensifies at night or in the early morning hours, during rest;
joints swell, there is swelling, swelling, painful palpation;
the joint area becomes red and hot;
an inflammatory reaction is noted in blood tests;
stiffness throughout the body, stiffness of movement;
the appearance of dense nodules in the joint area.
Arthritis is also often accompanied by such manifestations:
dry eye;
weakness, chills, drowsiness;
psoriasis;
weather dependence.
Types of arthritis
Depending on the nature of the disease, arthritis is divided into 2 types: inflammatory and degenerative. They, in turn, are also divided into types.
Inflammatory arthritis can be:
infectious - inflammation in the joints caused by microorganisms that have entered the synovial fluid;
rheumatoid - an inflammatory process that affects the connective tissues around the joint, as well as many organs;
reactive - develops as a result of infection;
gout is inflammation in the joints associated with an increase in uric acid in the blood and, as a result, with the deposition of salts.
Degenerative happens:
traumatic;
osteoarthritis.
What is more dangerous: arthritis or arthrosis?
There is no definite answer to this question. Because both diseases, without timely treatment, can lead to a complete loss of the ability to move. Arthrosis can be a consequence of arthritis. But long-term arthrosis can also lead to arthritis.
Treatment of arthrosis and arthritis: features
Joint pain deprives a person of the simplest joys: an ordinary walk, the opportunity to fully rest, freedom of movement. However, it is not always possible to recognize in time an alarming manifestation in this symptom. Often people think that this is a temporary phenomenon, and try to get rid of pain faster: they self-medicate, take medications or use traditional methods. But, having received short-term relief, they do not know the main thing - the causes of the disease. Thus, the disease is aggravated and takes on more severe, neglected forms.
The main recommendation of doctors is not to delay the visit to a specialist. Only a thorough examination and treatment will help to avoid serious consequences. The opportunity to live and move fully is at stake here.
Arthrosis is treated by orthopedists, neurologists and rheumatologists. The main method is to reduce the load on the diseased joint, increase tissue elasticity and strengthen muscles. In more severe cases, special injections with hyaluronic acid are prescribed, which helps to lubricate the joint, or the so-called arthroplasty is performed.
However, a remedy has not yet been found to completely restore cartilage tissue. Competent treatment of arthritis and arthrosis can only stop the destruction. The main methods of treating joint diseases are physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy procedures.
Arthritis is treated by a rheumatologist. The course of rehabilitation depends on its specific type, but it is rarely possible to do without special anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics. Hormonal drugs are sometimes prescribed. The treatment regimen is usually as follows:
pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
physiotherapy;
proper nutrition, diet, restoration of metabolic processes;
drug therapy if internal organs are affected.
Prevention is the foundation of joint health
Like any disease, joint disease can be prevented. First of all, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and avoid stress.
If we consider specifically the recommendations, then the specialists of the clinics note:
Weight control - in order not to put undue stress on the joints, you must always monitor the normal weight.
Moderate physical activity. They improve blood circulation, strengthen the muscle corset, which is very important for maintaining healthy joints. However, the key word here is mild, because sprains, injuries, strength training and grueling sports only accelerate the process of joint destruction. For joints, swimming, cycling, and Nordic walking are considered the best activities.
Proper balanced nutrition. As a prevention of joint diseases, doctors recommend reducing the amount of red meat in the diet, as well as foods with a high content of animal fats. But fatty fish and products containing omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the contrary, should be included in the menu as much as possible. Also, emphasis should be placed on fresh vegetables and fruits, to maintain water balance.
Wear comfortable orthopedic shoes or insoles.
Strengthen the immune system, in particular, avoid hypothermia and avoid stress.
Be healthy!