Osteoarthritis and arthritis both affect the joints and have similar symptoms. Therefore, they are often confused. Even their names are consonant, however, they are completely different diseases. If arthrosis destroys the joints, then 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 provoked by infection, immune system or metabolic disorders, hormonal disruptions. There are over 200 varieties. The main symptom of arthritis is inflammation in the joint area, swelling, redness of the skin. In advanced form, the disease gives complications to the heart, kidneys and liver. At risk are people from 25 to 40 years old.
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 more intensely felt 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, this is inflammation of the synovial membrane, in the second, the articular bag);
- Temperature rise. As a rule, the temperature rises in the affected joints. A high body temperature (38-39 degrees) can also be observed.
Symptoms exacerbate the manifestations of the inflammatory process:
- prostration;
- painful urination;
- chills;
- conjunctivitis.
If the symptoms are ignored, the disease will become chronic. As a result, the work of the internal organs will be disrupted, 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 each other. When it is in order, the person moves freely and painlessly. 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 usually develops in older people, as the articular surfaces wear out with age. The disease is also found in people who, by occupation, heavily burden the joints of the hands, wrists, and legs. Therefore, arthrosis is also called "disease of athletes" or "disease of pianists. "
arthritis symptoms
The disease is indolent. At the initial stage, symptoms may not appear. The first symptoms of osteoarthritis are usually the following:
- The joint is immobile after sleep or long rest, but this quickly disappears with movement;
- Crunch, rattle, clicks - all this is accompanied by a dull sound;
- Pain on movement and exertion.
In the later stages of arthrosis, the 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 immobilization of one or more joints.
Distinctive signs of arthritis and arthrosis
By carefully studying the symptoms and causes of arthrosis and arthritis, you can easily see the difference. We have combined the differences of the diseases to make this difference even more obvious.
hallmark |
arthrosis |
Arthritis |
area affected |
Joints, cartilage, spaces between bones |
Joints, bones, internal organs: heart, liver, kidneys |
The nature of the disease |
Degenerate, destructive. Only the joints are affected |
Inflammatory. The disease affects the internal organs |
Common Causes |
Increased stress on the joints, heredity |
Severe infection, metabolic disorder |
Age |
It develops in people at a mature or advanced age. Risk factor - activities associated with excessive stress on the joints |
It develops in people from 25-40 years old, but also occurs in adolescents and children |
Pain |
Often this is a mild pain that appears during movement and power loads. In later stages, the pain becomes more intense. |
The pain is aggravated by movement, most acutely felt early in the morning. |
Crunch and gnash |
Deaf clicks, dry crunch or gnash are characteristic |
Does not belong to the characteristics |
Deformation |
The joint is deformed, an inflammatory process is manifested |
There are seals, swelling, redness and fever in the joint area. Deformation occurs if one disease has developed into another. |
Decreased mobility |
Arthrosis binds only the affected joint. |
Stiffness throughout the body or in a joint |
Acute symptoms |
The joint "hardens" due to the formation of bony growths. In this case, the person can no longer move his leg or fingers. |
High temperature - 38-39 degrees, conjunctivitis develops, there is a breakdown and fever |
Development of symptoms |
It develops slowly, at the initial stage it is asymptomatic |
At the initial stage, there are symptoms of inflammation in the area of the affected joint. |
Prevention of arthritis and arthrosis
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 it with a trainer at exercise therapy or stretch your joints at home;
- Proper nutrition - if there is a tendency to disease of the bones, 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 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 cross-legged, not getting cold, and not succumbing to stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms that resemble arthritis or arthrosis, make an appointment at our Orthopedic Center. These diseases significantly reduce the quality of life, so it is important to diagnose them in time and start treatment.