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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, which affects small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive manner.The result is erosion of the bone and its subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to loss of working capacity.About 60 million people worldwide suffer from this disease.The disease is more common in women between the ages of 30 and 35.

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 on a person's motor activity.The disease can develop simultaneously in two symmetrical joints.Sometimes in different, for example, knee and hip joints of the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is an urgent problem of modern rheumatology.In addition to the joints, the disease spreads to the 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, ankles and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease requires prompt treatment.Failure to do so will result in fatal complications.

Main differences

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

Changes in arthritis:

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

The inflammation of the cartilage tissue starts from an infection, injury or disturbance in the metabolic process.

Physiology of arthrosis:

  • changed joint;
  • cartilaginous 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 performing simple actions: bending, bending, extending, lifting the legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

Diseases have common symptoms:

  • difficulty walking;
  • presence of pain in the area of inflammation;
  • poor mobility of the problem area.

The usual way of life of a sick person is disturbed.Every morning, getting out of bed, you have to "spread" to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.

Which is more dangerous?

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

Arthritis occurs due to 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 in the interior of the joint.The worn cartilage becomes thinner.The synovial fluid, which is the source of tissue nutrition, 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 performing various procedures and activities.During the examination, the doctor asks the patient with arthritis for information about past infections and injuries.Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnostics:

  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 show the full clinical picture of the disease.

Step-by-step diagnosis of arthrosis:

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

Physical education

I would like to note that exercise therapy and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis.Physical activity is aimed at restoring joint mobility.The increase in blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleaning and repair of the joint tissue.

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 the serious degradation of the joint do not allow physical exercises.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed to perform a limited amount of exercise without heavy loading.
  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 a chance to continue to exist normally.In arthrosis, this is alleviation of the condition, stopping the progress of the disease.And most importantly, do not become disabled.