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

What is the difference between rheumatic diseases?How can the problem be detected in time?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, in which the patient is affected in an erosive-destructive manner in the small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet).The result is bone erosion and subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to a loss of working capacity.Around 60 million people worldwide suffer from this disease.The disease is more common in women aged 30-35.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissue 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 they are different, for example, knee and hip on the same limb.

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is an urgent problem of modern rheumatology.In addition to the joints, the disease also spreads to the internal organs and muscles.The disease develops symmetrically on both arms or legs.The disease often leads to disability.

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system, the knee, elbow and ankle joints, and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease requires timely treatment.If this is not done, complications with a fatal outcome occur.

Main differences

Sick people complain to the doctor about joint discomfort, pain and limited movement.The symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis are similar, but there are characteristic differences.

Changes in arthritis:

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

Inflammation of the cartilage tissue starts from an infection, an injury or a disturbance in the metabolic process.

Physiology of arthrosis:

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

Diseases cause a person to suffer when performing simple actions: bending, bending, stretching, lifting a leg or arm.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down the stairs.

Signs and symptoms

The diseases have common symptoms:

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

The sick person's usual lifestyle is disturbed.Every morning, getting out of bed, you have to “break apart” to go to the kitchen, fighting off the pain.

Which is more dangerous?

Diseases cause a lot of pain and trouble to the patient.

Arthritis occurs due to the inflammatory process of the body.It is under treatment.It is important to consult a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Arthrosis is a "disease of the elderly" that involves changes within the joint.Worn cartilage becomes thinner.The synovial fluid, which is the 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 makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

Diagnostics

It consists of performing various procedures and activities.During the examination, the doctor asks the arthritis patient for information about past infections and injuries.It determines the course of the disease and prescribes a 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 in its entirety.

Diagnosing arthrosis step by step:

1. The doctor visually assesses the mobility of the joint.Are there areas of ossification in the problem area and is there a grinding sound?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
2. With the help of X-rays, bone growth and joint deformation can be seen.
3. Synovial fluid analysis and histology.
4. Complete blood count.

Physical education

I would like to note that exercise therapy and swimming effectively help prevent and treat arthrosis.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.Increasing blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleaning and restoration of joint tissues.

We must not forget the limitations of physical therapy:

1. It is performed during the period of remission, in the absence of severe pain.
2. In old age, a range of existing diseases or severe deterioration of the joint do not allow exercise.
3. Overweight patients can do a limited amount of exercise without serious exertion.
4. The effect of exercise therapy consists of regular exercises alternating with joint rest periods.

Rheumatic 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 a chance to lead a normal life.In the case of arthrosis, this alleviates the condition and stops the progression of the disease.And most importantly, don't become disabled.