Related, sometimes interrelated diseases of the joints - arthritis and osteoarthritis have many similarities and differences. But it is possible to determine which disease develops in a person only after a series of diagnostic tests. The causes of these pathologies vary, the treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis is not the same. The use of alternative therapies for such diseases is not only useless but also dangerous.
Comparative characteristics
The development of arthritis and osteoarthritis occurs under the influence of various factors. But these diseases have one thing in common - they negatively affect the state of human health, causing unpleasant symptoms and discomfort. Both pathologies provoke inflammation of the joint, disrupt its functioning, as a result of which a person can not move normally.
The symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis are very similar, but there are signs that are characteristic of each disease.
What causes arthritis?
The main causes of joint diseases:
- pathological disorders in the body;
- infectious or autoimmune diseases;
- complications after past infections;
- metabolic or metabolic changes.
Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis or polyarthritis occurs due to trauma, destruction of the integrity of the joints. As the pathology progresses, inflammation of the synovial membrane and fluid develops. A lot of lubricant is produced, which leads to swelling of the arms, legs, knees and other joints. There are changes in the cartilage tissues - erosion appears on them. As a result of such pathological processes, the bone is exposed.
Causes of osteoarthritis
This disease is characterized by degenerative and dystrophic changes affecting the cartilage lining the articular surfaces of the bone. The pathology is more often diagnosed in the elderly. The main provoking factor is the age-related changes during which physiological thinning and wear of cartilage occurs. But sometimes osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis of the hands or feet affects many young people, whose lifestyle is associated with excessive exercise in the joints.
Typical symptoms
Sometimes the distinctive symptoms help to diagnose a predetermined disease. In order to differentiate which disease develops in a patient, the places of localization of the diseases help:
- Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation of the large joints of the foot, knees and hips. Much less often the pathology affects the joints of the fingers. Worse when the disorders affect the intervertebral joints.
- In arthritis, various joints become inflamed. Pathological changes can occur in several asymmetric joints at once, which is not observed in osteoarthritis.
The first signs of arthritis and osteoarthritis of the joints are different. If a person develops arthritis, then the pain is broken mainly at rest, during rest or sleep. After waking up, stiffness and discomfort are felt. Osteoarthritis causes pain when moving, and after rest the discomfort in the legs disappears.
Another difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee is the appearance of the diseased joint. Grade 1 osteoarthritis is characterized by a lack of pronounced changes, but as the pathology progresses, the joint deforms and cracks. If arthritis develops, the joints of the legs, legs immediately become swollen, hot. The general well-being of the patient is disturbed, he loses weight, his body temperature rises.
Differential diagnosis
The choice of drugs for the treatment of joints depends on the type of pathology. Therefore, you need to know how to distinguish osteoarthritis from arthritis of the ankle joint. To do this, the patient must undergo a number of such diagnostic tests:
- general blood and urine tests;
- biochemical study of plasma;
- rheumatic tests;
- radiography of the affected joints of the arms and legs;
- CT or MRI diagnosis of soft tissues.
medical treatment
To cure both pathologies, it is recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They provide first aid to diseased joints, relieve inflammation and pain. In osteoarthritis, effective treatment is aimed at cartilage regeneration. Chondroprotectors, glauric acid, physiotherapeutic procedures, auxiliary treatment with folk remedies are used.
When diagnosing arthritis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the inflammation and eliminate the pain. With the infectious nature of the disease is used drug treatment, antibiotic therapy. If the pathology is caused by immune disorders, hormonal drugs and cytostatics are prescribed.
The main contraindications for arthritis in the acute stage are massage and physiotherapy.
Therapy at home
Folk methods of treating arthritis and osteoarthritis include the use of herbs, eggshells, propolis, garlic compresses, decoction of bay leaves. Sometimes traditional medicine offers the use of herbs whose therapeutic effect is more dangerous and toxic than some drugs. All prescriptions and their ingredients must be agreed with the doctor. Comprehensive treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis should be aimed at stopping inflammatory complications and alleviating the patient's condition.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
It is difficult to determine which disease is worse. Both pathologies have similar and distinctive features. The table shows the characteristics of each disease:
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