Osteoarthritis and arthritis both affect joints and have similar symptoms. Therefore, they are often confused. Even though their names are consonant, they are completely different diseases. If arthrosis destroys the joints, arthritis causes an inflammatory process throughout the body. This is the main difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis. Now in more detail.
The most important thing about arthritis
Arthritis is a progressive disease caused by infection, immune system or metabolic disorders, hormonal disorders. There are more than 200 varieties. The main symptom of arthritis is inflammation, swelling, redness of the skin in the joint area. In advanced form, the disease causes complications to the heart, kidneys and liver. The risk group includes people aged 25-40.
Arthritis symptoms
The disease can be hidden. The first symptoms of arthritis are usually:
- Pain. It starts suddenly and gets worse with movement. It feels more intense at night, stiffness is felt after sleep;
- Texture changes. Arthritis is characterized by swelling and redness of the skin, synovitis and bursitis are possible (in the first case, this is inflammation of the synovial membrane, and in the second, the articular bag);
- Temperature rise. As a rule, the temperature rises in the affected joints. High body temperature (38-39 degrees) can also be observed.
Symptoms intensify the manifestations of the inflammatory process:
- prostration;
- painful urination;
- trembling;
- conjunctivitis.
If the symptoms are ignored, the disease becomes chronic. As a result, the work of the internal organs will be disturbed, and the modification of the joints may cause disability.
The most important thing about arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory disease that causes deformation and destruction of cartilage tissues. Cartilage covers the surface of the joint and prevents the bones from touching each other. When it is correct, a person moves freely and without pain. The causes of pathology can be different: heredity, deviations in the structure of the joints, injuries, excessive loads. Unlike arthritis, the disease affects only the joints.
Osteoarthritis usually develops in older people because the joint surfaces wear down with age. The disease is also found in people who work hard on the joints of the hands, wrists and feet. Therefore, arthrosis is also called "disease of athletes" or "disease of pianists".
Arthritis symptoms
The disease is indifferent. In the initial stage, symptoms may not appear. The first symptoms of osteoarthritis are usually:
- After sleep or long rest, the joint is immobile, but this quickly disappears with movement;
- Creaking, rattling, clicks - all this is accompanied by a dull sound;
- Pain during movement and exertion.
In the later stages of arthrosis, the symptoms are already noticeable: the joint becomes more immobile, pain appears, and "stiff joint" syndrome also develops - soft cartilage tissue is replaced by bone growth. The development of the disease leads to immobilization of one or more joints.
Different symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis
By carefully studying the symptoms and causes of arthrosis and arthritis, you can easily see the difference. To further clarify this difference, we combined the disease differences.
remarkable |
arthrosis |
Arthritis |
area of influence |
Spaces between joints, cartilage, bones |
Joints, bones, internal organs: heart, liver, kidneys |
The nature of the disease |
Degenerative, destructive. Only the joints are affected |
Inflammatory. The disease affects internal organs |
Common Causes |
Increased stress on the joints, heredity |
Severe infection, metabolic disorder |
Age |
It develops in adults or elderly people. Risk factor - activities associated with excessive stress on the joints |
It develops in people aged 25-40, but also in teenagers and children |
Pain |
Often this is a mild pain that appears during movement and power loads. In the later stages, the pain becomes stronger. |
The pain intensifies with movement, and is felt most often in the early morning. |
Whisk and whisk |
Deaf clicks, dry crackling or gravel are characteristic |
It does not belong to the characteristics |
Deformation |
The joint is deformed, an inflammatory process manifests itself |
There is a seal, swelling, redness and fever in the joint area. If one disease passes to another, deformation occurs. |
Decreased mobility |
Arthrosis only covers the affected joint. |
Stiffness in the whole body or in the joint |
Acute symptoms |
The joint "hardens" due to the formation of bone growths. At this time, the person can no longer move his leg or fingers. |
High temperature - 38-39 degrees, conjunctivitis develops, there is a disturbance and fever |
Development of symptoms |
It develops slowly, it is asymptomatic in the initial stage |
In the initial stage, there are signs of inflammation in the affected joint area. |
Prevention of arthritis and arthrosis
It is easier to prevent disease than to cure it. Disease prevention includes:
- Moderate physical activity - fitness, swimming pool, skiing, cycling are suitable;
- Joint gymnastics - you can do it with a trainer in exercise therapy or stretch your joints at home;
- Proper nutrition - if you have a tendency to bone disease, you should avoid red meat and high-fat foods. It is better to include more fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood in the diet. If you are overweight, you should follow a diet;
- Drink enough water - 2 liters per day. It is advisable to give up alcohol.
To reduce the risk of disease, doctors recommend wearing comfortable shoes, not sitting on your feet, not getting cold, and not being stressed.
If you are experiencing arthritis or arthrosis-like symptoms, visit our Orthopedic Center. These diseases significantly reduce the quality of life, so it is important to make a timely diagnosis and start treatment.