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Arthritis and osteoarthritis: 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 the connective tissue, in which the patient affects small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive and destructive way.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.Around 60 million people around the world 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 osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissue of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip and feet.The progressive form turns into osteoarthritis, which creates restrictions in a person's motor activity.The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at the same time.Sometimes in different ones, for example, knee and hip on the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is a pressing problem in modern rheumatology.In addition to the 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 systems, the joints of the knees, elbows, ankles and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease needs timely treatment.If this is not done, complications with a fatal outcome will occur.

Main differences

Patients go to the doctor complaining of joint discomfort, pain and limited mobility.The symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis are similar, but there are characteristic differences.

Changes in arthritis:

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

Inflammation of cartilage tissue begins with an infection, injury or alteration of the metabolic process.

Osteoarthritis physiology:

  • joint changed;
  • cartilage tissue worn away with age;
  • no inflammation, swelling or redness is observed;
  • normal temperature;
  • Only one joint was affected.

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

Signs and symptoms

The diseases have common symptoms:

  • difficulty walking;
  • presence of pain in the inflamed area;
  • Little mobility of the problem area.

The usual way of life of a sick person is altered.Every morning, when you get out of bed, you need to “disperse” to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.

Which is more dangerous?

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

Arthritis occurs due to an inflammatory process in the body.It is being treated.It is important to consult a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications to occur.

Osteoarthritis is a “disease of the elderly” with changes within the joint.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.

Diagnosis

It consists of carrying out various procedures and activities.During the exam, the doctor asks the arthritis patient for information about past infections and injuries.Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnoses:

  1. Blood test for uric acid.
  2. Ultrasound of the joint.
  3. X-ray of the affected area.
  4. CONNECTICUT.
  5. Arthroscopy.

The results show the clinical picture of the disease in its entirety.

Step-by-step diagnosis of osteoarthritis:

  1. The doctor visually evaluates the mobility of the joint.Are there ossified areas in the problem area or not, and is there a crunching noise?What is the condition of the muscles surrounding the painful joint?
  2. Bone growths and joint deformation can be seen using an x-ray.
  3. Analysis and histology of synovial fluid.
  4. Complete blood test.

physical education

I would like to note that exercise therapy and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.Increased blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleansing and restoration of joint tissue.

We must not forget about the limitations of physiotherapy:

  1. It is carried out during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
  2. In old age, the set of existing diseases or severe degradation of the joint does not allow physical exercise.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed to do a limited amount of exercise without significant effort.
  4. The effect of physiotherapy consists of regular exercises alternating with periods of rest of the joint.

Rheumatoid diseases are treated by rheumatologists and orthopedic traumatologists.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will allow you to live without complications.A patient who seeks help in time will have the opportunity to continue to exist normally.In osteoarthritis, this is a relief of the condition, stopping the progression of the disease.And most importantly, do not become disabled.