Do not be confused: how arthritis differs from osteoarthritis

with what symptoms can you distinguish arthritis from osteoarthritis

There is often confusion between arthritis and osteoarthritis due to the specificity of the disease. Both diseases are related to the articular system. Doctors perform a comparative analysis of arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The first and most important difference is the change in symptoms and treatment methods. In general, both diseases can be treated with medication and diet.

The term arthritis is interpreted as a group of diseases associated with inflammation in the joints. Arthrosis is a modification or transformation of a joint, as a result of which it ceases to function normally.

The causes of the disease are different. Arthritis occurs as a result of injuries, immune system disorders, and organ infections. Arthritis has two forms - acute and chronic.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic phenomenon and the cause of the disease is hereditary predisposition and old age.

Young people most often suffer from arthritis. The disease primarily affects professional athletes and people who engage in increased physical activity.

People with sexually transmitted infections are at risk for arthritis. Osteoarthritis is more common among older women.

As you can see from the main changes, the diseases are very different. Arthritis can enter the joints through an infection. After the infection, complications begin.

Osteoarthritis occurs during the course of joint circulation disorders. Due to insufficient supply of nutrients, it deforms over time.

There are also changes in the symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis. With arthritis, the joint swells, causing redness due to inflammation. The temperature rises, the head begins to ache, and increased fatigue manifests itself. The pain in acute forms is sharp. In the case of chronic arthritis, there is constant pain.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis are expressed in slowly increasing pain. At first, discomfort is felt at the site of joint deformity. With loads, pain appears. The pain intensifies during movement. Later, the pain is constantly present even at rest. With osteoarthritis, there is a characteristic chewing.

Treatment methods

Both diseases require special treatment as they are associated with the locomotor system. If we are talking about arthritis, then the inflammatory process is removed first. Non-steroidal drugs and antibiotics are used as treatment.

For osteoarthritis, doctors prescribe chondroprotectors - specific drugs for the treatment of joint diseases. They allow you to saturate the damaged joint with the right amount of nutrients. Physical therapy and massage are often prescribed.

Sports for arthritis and osteoarthritis are only allowed during the chronic period. In other cases, physical activity of any nature is prohibited.