Osteoarthritis and arthritis affect the joints and have similar symptoms. Therefore, they are often confused. Even their names are consonant, however, they are completely different diseases. If osteoarthritis destroys the joints, arthritis causes an inflammatory process throughout the body. This is the fundamental difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis. Now in more detail.
The most important thing about arthritis
Arthritis is a progressive disease that is brought on by infection, immune system or metabolic disorders, hormonal disorders. There are more than 200 varieties. The main symptom of arthritis is inflammation in the joint area, swelling, redness of the skin. In the advanced form, the disease causes complications to the heart, kidneys and liver. At risk are people aged 25 to 40.
arthritis symptoms
The disease may be hidden. The first signs of arthritis are usually:
- Pain. It comes on suddenly and gets worse with movement. It is felt more intensely at night, after sleep, stiffness is felt;
- Tissue changes. Arthritis is characterized by swelling and redness of the skin, synovitis and bursitis are possible (in the first case, it is inflammation of the synovial membrane, in the second, the joint bursa);
- Temperature increase. As a rule, the temperature rises in the affected joints. A high body temperature (38-39 degrees) may also be observed.
Symptoms exacerbate the manifestations of the inflammatory process:
- prostration;
- pain when urinating;
- goosebumps;
- conjunctivitis.
If symptoms are ignored, the disease will become chronic. As a result, the work of Organs internal organs will be interrupted and the modification of the joints can lead to disability.
The most important thing about arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory disease that leads to deformation and destruction of cartilage tissues. Cartilage covers the surface of the joint and prevents the bones from touching. When in order, the person moves freely and without pain. The causes of the pathology can be different: heredity, deviations in the structure of the joints, injuries, excessive loads. Unlike arthritis, the disease only affects the joints.
Osteoarthritis often develops in older people as joint surfaces wear out with age. The disease is also found in people who, by occupation, put heavy strain on the joints of the hands, wrists, and legs. Therefore, arthrosis is also called "athletes' disease" or "pianists' disease".
arthritis symptoms
The disease is indolent. In the initial stage, symptoms may not appear. The first symptoms of osteoarthritis are usually as follows:
- The joint becomes immobile after prolonged sleep or rest, but this quickly disappears with movement;
- Crunching, rattling, clicking - all this is accompanied by a dull sound;
- Pain on movement and exertion.
In the later stages of arthrosis, symptoms are already noticeable: the joint becomes more immobile, pain appears, and the "hard joint" syndrome also develops - soft cartilage tissue is replaced by bone growths. The development of the disease leads to the immobilization of one or more joints.
Distinctive signs of arthritis and osteoarthritis
By carefully studying the symptoms and causes of osteoarthritis and arthritis, you can easily see the difference. We've combined the disease differences to make this difference even more obvious.
brand |
osteoarthritis |
Arthritis |
affected area |
Joints, cartilage, spaces between bones |
Joints, bones, internal organs: heart, liver, kidneys |
The nature of the disease |
Degenerate, destructive. Only joints are affected |
Inflammatory. The disease affects the internal organs |
common causes |
Increased joint stress, heredity |
Severe infection, metabolic disorder |
Was |
It develops in people of mature or advanced age. Risk factor - activities associated with excessive stress on joints |
It develops in people aged 25 to 40, but also occurs in teenagers and children |
Pain |
Often this is a mild pain that appears during movement and energy loads. In later stages, the pain becomes more intense. |
Pain is aggravated by movement, most acutely felt early in the morning. |
crush and chew |
Dull clicks, dry grinding or grinding are characteristic |
does not belong to the characteristics |
Deformation |
The joint is deformed, an inflammatory process manifests itself |
There are seals, swelling, redness and fever in the joint area. Deformation occurs if one disease has developed into another. |
decreased mobility |
Osteoarthritis binds only the affected joint. |
Stiffness throughout the body or in a joint |
acute symptoms |
The joint "hardens" due to the formation of bone growths. In this case, the person can no longer move the leg or fingers. |
High temperature - 38-39 degrees, develops conjunctivitis, there is collapse and fever |
development of symptoms |
Develops slowly, in the initial phase is asymptomatic |
In the initial stage, there are symptoms of inflammation in the affected joint area. |
Prevention of arthritis and osteoarthritis
The disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Disease prevention includes:
- Moderate physical activity - fitness, swimming pool, skiing, cycling are suitable;
- Joint gymnastics - you can do this with a trainer in exercise therapy or stretch your joints at home;
- Proper nutrition - if there is a tendency to bone disease, it is worth giving up red meat and foods high in fat. It is better to add more fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood to the diet. If you are overweight, you should follow a diet;
- Drink plenty of water - 2 liters a day. It is advisable to give up alcohol.
To reduce the risk of illness, doctors recommend wearing comfortable shoes, not sitting cross-legged, not getting cold, and not succumbing to stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms that resemble arthritis or osteoarthritis, make an appointment with our Orthopedic Center. These diseases significantly reduce the quality of life, so it is important to diagnose them in time and start treatment.