Osteoarthritis and arthritis affect both joints and have similar symptoms. Therefore, they are often confused. Their names are also consonants, however, they are completely different diseases. If osteoarthritis destroys the joints, arthritis causes an inflammatory process throughout the body. This is the key difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis. Now in more detail.
The most important thing about arthritis
Arthritis is a progressive disease caused by infections, immune system or metabolic disorders, hormonal disorders. 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 aged 25 to 40.
Arthritis Symptoms
The disease may be hidden. The first signs of arthritis are usually:
- Ache. It comes on suddenly and gets worse with movement. He feels more intensely at night, stiffness is felt after sleep;
- Fabric changes. Arthritis is characterized by swelling and redness of the skin, synovitis and bursitis are possible (in the first case it is an inflammation of the synovial membrane, in the second of the joint bag);
- Temperature increase. As a rule, the temperature rises in the affected joints. An elevated body temperature (38-39 degrees) may 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 the deformation and destruction of cartilage tissues. The cartilage covers the surface of the joint and prevents the bones from touching. 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 affects only the joints.
Osteoarthritis usually develops in older people, as the joint surfaces wear down with age. The disease is also found in people who, by occupation, heavily burden the joints of the hands, wrists and legs. Therefore, osteoarthritis is also called "athletes 'disease" or "pianists' disease".
Arthritis Symptoms
The disease is indolent. In the initial stage, symptoms may not appear. The first symptoms of osteoarthritis are usually the following:
- The joint is immobile after sleep or a long rest, but this quickly disappears with movement;
- Crunch, rattle, click - all this is accompanied by a dull sound;
- Pain with movement and exertion.
In the later stages of osteoarthritis, the symptoms are already evident: the joint becomes more immobile, pain appears and the syndrome of "hard joints" also develops: the soft cartilage tissue is replaced by bony growths. The development of the disease leads to the immobilization of one or more joints.
Distinctive signs of arthritis and osteoarthritis
By carefully studying the symptoms and causes of osteoarthritis and arthritis, you can easily see the difference. We have combined the differences in diseases to make this difference even more noticeable.
distinctive sign |
arthrosis |
Arthritis |
affected area |
Joints, cartilages, spaces between the 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 of mature or old age. Risk factor - activities associated with excessive stress on the joints |
It develops in people between the ages of 25 and 40, but also occurs in adolescents and children |
Ache |
Often this is a mild pain that appears during movement and power loads. In the later stages, the pain becomes more intense. |
The pain is aggravated by movement, felt most acutely in the early morning. |
Nibble and nibble |
Dull clicks, dry creaking or screeching are characteristic |
It does not belong to the characteristics |
Deformation |
The joint is deformed, an inflammatory process occurs |
There are seals, swelling, redness and fever in the joint area. Deformation occurs if one disease has turned into another. |
Decreased mobility |
Osteoarthritis only binds 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 their leg or fingers. |
High temperature - 38-39 degrees, conjunctivitis develops, there is a breakdown and fever |
Symptom development |
It develops slowly, in the initial stage it is asymptomatic |
In the initial stage, there are symptoms of inflammation in the affected joint area. |
Prevention of arthritis and arthrosis
The disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Disease prevention includes:
- Moderate physical activity - fitness, swimming, skiing, cycling are suitable;
- Joint gymnastics - you can do it with a trainer during physical therapy or stretch the joints at home;
- Proper nutrition: if there is a tendency to bone disease, it is worth giving up red meat and high-fat foods. It is best to add more fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood to the diet. If you are overweight, you should be on 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 being cold, and not succumbing to stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms reminiscent of arthritis or osteoarthritis, 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.