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

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

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, the patient's small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) are affected in an erosive-destructive manner.The result is bone erosion and subsequent deformation.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to incapacitation.About 60 million people in the world suffer from this disease.The disease is more common in women with an average age of 30-35.

joints affected by arthritis and arthrosis

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

Rheumatoid polyarthritis is an actual 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 causes disability.

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, knee, elbow, ankle joints 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 will occur with a fatal outcome.

The main differences

Sick people turn to the doctor complaining of discomfort, pain and limited movement in the joints.The symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis are similar, but there are characteristic differences.

Changes in arthritis:

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

Inflammation of the cartilage tissue begins with infection, injury or a disturbance in the metabolic process.

Physiology of arthrosis:

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

Diseases make a person suffer when performing simple movements: bending, stooping, lying down, lifting legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of the disease are:

  • 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 disrupted.Every morning, getting out of bed, relieving pain, and going to the kitchen, you need to "break down".

Which is more dangerous?

Diseases bring a lot of pain and discomfort 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, not to wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Arthrosis is an "old man's disease" accompanied by 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 diagnoses and prescribes treatment.

Diagnostics

It consists of the implementation of various procedures and activities.During the examination, the doctor asks the patient with arthritis about past infections and injuries.Determines the course of the disease and determines the diagnosis:

  1. Blood test to determine uric acid.
  2. Ultrasound of joints.
  3. X-ray of the affected area.
  4. CT.
  5. Arthroscopy.

The results fully show the clinical picture of the disease.

Step-by-step diagnosis of arthrosis:

  1. The doctor visually assesses the mobility of the joint.Are there ossified areas in the problem area and is there a creaking sound?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
  2. Bone growths and joint deformities can be seen using X-rays.
  3. Synovial fluid analysis and histology.
  4. Complete blood test.

Physical education

I would like to note that exercise therapy and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of arthrosis.Physical activity is aimed at restoring joint mobility.Increased blood flow to the affected area stimulates cleaning and regeneration of joint tissues.

We must not forget the limitations of physical therapy:

  1. It is carried out during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
  2. In old age, a bouquet of existing diseases or severe joint degradation does not allow physical exercises.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed 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 his normal existence.With arthrosis, it is the alleviation of the condition that stops the progression of the disease.And most importantly, don't be disabled.