Osteoarthritis and arthritis both affect the joints and have similar symptoms. Therefore, they are often confused. Even their names sound similar, but they are completely different diseases. If arthrosis destroys the joints, then arthritis causes an inflammatory process throughout the body. This is the main difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis. Now in more detail.
The most important thing about arthritis
Arthritis is a progressive disease caused by infection, immune or metabolic disorders, and hormonal disorders. There are more than 200 varieties. The main symptom of arthritis is inflammation in the joint area, swelling, redness. In an advanced form, the disease causes complications in the heart, kidneys and liver. People at risk are between 25 and 40 years old.
Arthritis symptoms
The disease can be hidden. The first signs of arthritis are usually:
- Pain. It comes on suddenly and gets worse with movement. It is felt more intensely at night, stiffness is felt after sleep;
- Tissue changes. Arthritis is characterized by swelling and redness of the skin, synovitis and bursitis are possible (in the first case, this is inflammation of the synovial membrane, in the second case, the joint bag);
- Temperature rise. Usually, the temperature rises in the affected joints. A high body temperature (38-39 degrees) can also be observed.
The symptoms aggravate the manifestations of the inflammatory process:
- despondency;
- painful urination;
- chills;
- conjunctivitis.
If the symptoms are ignored, the disease becomes chronic. Because of this, the work of the internal organs is disturbed, and changes in the joints can lead to disability.
The most important thing about arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory disease that leads to deformation and destruction of cartilage tissue. Cartilage covers the surface of the joint and prevents the bones from touching each other. If this is okay, the person can move freely and without pain. The causes of the pathology can be different: heredity, differences in the structure of the joints, injuries, excessive loads. Unlike arthritis, the disease affects only the joints.
Osteoarthritis usually develops in older people as joint surfaces wear down with age. The disease also occurs in people whose occupation places heavy strain on the joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. Therefore, arthrosis is also called "disease of athletes" or "disease of pianists".
Arthritis symptoms
The disease is indolent. In the initial stage, symptoms do not appear. The first symptoms of osteoarthritis are usually:
- The joint is immobile after sleep or long rest, but this quickly disappears with movement;
- Crackling, rattling, clicking - all accompanied by a dull sound;
- Pain during movement and exertion.
In the later stages of arthrosis, the symptoms can already be felt: the joint becomes more immobile, pain occurs, and the "hard joint" syndrome also develops - the soft cartilage tissue is replaced by bone growths. The development of the disease leads to immobilization of one or more joints.
Distinguishing signs of arthritis and arthrosis
By carefully studying the symptoms and causes of arthrosis and arthritis, you can easily see the difference. We combined the differences between diseases to make this difference even more apparent.
hallmark |
arthrosis |
Arthritis |
affected area |
Joints, cartilage, gaps between 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 strain on the joints, heredity |
Severe infection, metabolic disorder |
Circle |
It develops in people at a mature or advanced age. Risk factor - activities related to excessive stress on the joints |
It develops between the ages of 25 and 40, but also occurs in adolescents and children |
Pain |
This is often mild pain that occurs during movement and exertion. In the later stages, the pain becomes more intense. |
The pain is aggravated by movement and is felt most strongly in the early morning. |
Crunch and spicy |
Deaf clicks, dry crackling or screeching are typical |
It is not among the features |
Deformation |
The joint is deformed, an inflammatory process is manifested |
Seals, swelling, redness and fever can be seen in the joint area. Deformation occurs when one disease has evolved into another. |
Reduced mobility |
Arthrosis binds only the affected joint. |
Stiffness in the whole body or in the joints |
Acute symptoms |
The joint "hardens" due to the formation of bony growths. In this case, the person can no longer move their legs or fingers. |
High temperature - 38-39 degrees, conjunctivitis develops, decomposition and fever |
Development of symptoms |
It develops slowly and is asymptomatic in its initial stages |
In the initial stage, there are symptoms of inflammation in the area of the affected joint. |
Prevention of arthritis and arthrosis
The disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Disease prevention includes:
- Moderate physical activity - fitness, swimming pool, skiing, cycling suitable;
- Joint exercise - you can do it with a trainer at gym therapy or stretch your joints at home;
- Proper nutrition - if you are prone to bone diseases, you should give up red meat and high-fat foods. It is worth adding more fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood to your diet. If you are overweight, you must follow a diet;
- Drink enough water - 2 liters per day. It is advisable to give up alcohol consumption.
To reduce the risk of disease, doctors recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, do not sit with your legs crossed, do not get cold, and do not give in to stress.
If you experience arthritis or arthritis-like symptoms, make an appointment with our Orthopedic Center. These diseases significantly reduce the quality of life, so it is important to diagnose them in time and start treatment.