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

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

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

Rheumatoid osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissue of the joints of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip and feet.The progressive form progresses to osteoarthritis, which creates restrictions on a person's motor activity.The disease can develop simultaneously in two symmetrical joints.Sometimes in different cases, for example knee and hip on the same limb.

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

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, the joints of the knees, elbows, ankles and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease requires prompt treatment.If this is not done, life-threatening complications will arise.

Main differences

Patients come to the doctor complaining of joint discomfort, pain and limited mobility.The symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis are similar, but there are characteristic differences.

Changes in Arthritis:

• the fluid-containing synovial membrane and joint capsule become inflamed;
• heat;
• redness in the painful area;
• two joints hurt at the same time;
• There is no deformation of the joint.

Inflammation of cartilage tissue begins with infection, injury or disruption of the metabolic process.

Physiology of osteoarthritis:

• change of articulation;
• cartilaginous tissue worn away with age;
• no inflammation, swelling and redness are observed;
• normal temperature;
• Only one joint was affected.

Diseases cause a person to suffer when performing simple actions: bending, stooping, stretching, raising their legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

The diseases have common symptoms:

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

The usual lifestyle of a sick person is disrupted.Every morning, getting out of bed, you need to “disperse” to the kitchen, thereby overcoming the pain.

What is more dangerous?

Diseases bring a lot of pain and problems to the patient.

Arthritis is caused by an inflammatory process in the body.He is well cared for.It is important to consult a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Osteoarthritis is an “old man’s disease” characterized by changes within the joint.Worn cartilage becomes thinner.Synovial fluid, a 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 will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosis

It consists of carrying out various procedures and activities.During the exam, the doctor asks the arthritis patient about previous infections and injuries.Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnostics:

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.

Step-by-step diagnosis of osteoarthritis:

1. The doctor visually assesses the mobility of the joint.Are there any ossified areas in the problem area or not and is a cracking sound heard?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
2. Bone growths and joint deformity can be seen using an x-ray.
3. Analysis and histology of synovial fluid.
4. Complete blood test.

Physical education

I would like to emphasize that exercise therapy and swimming effectively help in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.Increased blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleansing and restoration of joint tissues.

We must not forget the limits of physiotherapy:

1. It is carried out during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
2. In old age, the existing bouquet of diseases or serious deterioration of the joint does not allow physical exercise.
3. Overweight patients are allowed to do a limited amount of exercise without significant effort.
4. The effect of exercise therapy consists of regular exercises alternated 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 to exist normally.With osteoarthritis, it is a relief of the disease, stopping the progression of the disease.And above all, don't become disabled.