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

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

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue, in which the patient is affected by small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive manner.The result is bone erosion and subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to the loss of the ability to work.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 tissues of the ankles, knees, shoulders, hip joints and feet.The progressive form develops into osteoarthritis, which creates limitations in a person's motor activity.The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at the same time.Sometimes in different, for example, the knee and thighs in the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is an urgent problem of modern rheumatology.In addition to joints, the disease spreads to internal organs and muscles.The disease develops symmetrically in 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.At the local level, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease requires timely treatment.If this is not done, complications will occur with a fatal outcome.

The main differences

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

Changes in arthritis:

  • fluid synovial membrane and joint capsule become inflamed;
  • heating;
  • redness in the painful area;
  • two joints are injured at the same time;
  • There is no deformity of the joint.

Inflammation of the cartilage tissue is initiated by infection, injury or disturbance of the metabolic process.

Physiology of arthrosis:

  • altered joint;
  • Cartilage tissue is worn out with age;
  • inflammation, swelling and redness are not observed;
  • normal temperature;
  • Only one joint was affected.

Diseases bring suffering to a person when performing simple actions: bending, stooping, stretching, raising legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

Diseases have 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 interrupted.Every morning, getting out of bed, you have to "dissolve" 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.

Osteoarthritis is a "disease of the elderly" with changes within the joint.The worn cartilage becomes thinner.Synovial fluid, which is a 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.

Diagnosing

It consists in 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 describes the diagnosis:

  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 clinical picture of the disease as a whole.

Step-by-step diagnosis of arthrosis:

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

Physical education

I want to emphasize that exercise therapy and swimming help effectively in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.Increased blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleaning and restoration of joint tissue.

We must not forget about the limitations of physical therapy:

  1. It is performed during the remission period in the absence of severe pain.
  2. In old age, the existing bouquet of diseases or serious joint degradation do not allow physical exercises.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed to do a limited amount of exercise without serious 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 a chance to continue to exist normally.With arthrosis, this is a relief of the condition, stopping the progression of the disease.And most importantly, don't be disabled.