Many people don't understand the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis.Both of these diseases are common and are associated with joint problems.However, the symptoms of the disease, and even more so the prevention and treatment, are individual in each case.
Arthritis and arthrosis, what do they have in common?
What is osteoarthritis and arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease caused by cartilage problems.They gradually begin to disintegrate and break down, causing unbearable pain.It occurs in both acute and long-term forms.It often appears in the morning or after intense physical activity.
Joint arthritis is a condition of joint inflammation.Mainly expressed as swelling and redness.The inner lining of the joint is destroyed, causing pain that is often difficult to bear.
What is the difference between arthritis and arthrosis: general signs
Both diseases have a common root in their name "arthron".If you translate it from Greek, you get “joint.”Both diseases are associated with joint problems and pain.Such pathologies occur with acute negative sensations and discomfort.Lesions associated with the cartilage layer limit and complicate movement.
Osteoarthritis and arthritis change the patient's usual lifestyle.It becomes difficult to move, pain appears and the level of resistance decreases - these are the main signs.However, each of these diseases proceeds according to its own scenario.
It is important to make a correct diagnosis, then the treatment will be high-quality and quick.
Symptoms of arthritis
Arthritis is characterized by the following features:
- Fever may occur if the skin near the joint becomes red.
- Change in the appearance of the joint.
- Tumor.
- Painful sensations when moving.
- Unpleasant sensations when pressing on a rod.
- Arthritis can be an infectious disease.Then all the symptoms corresponding to infections appear: nervous state, fever, chills.
Arthritis can affect one or more joints.It manifests itself with acute pain or gradually and causes a chronic disease.Then a dull, aching pain occurs.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is, in most cases, a chronic disease.For a long time you may not understand that you have this disease, as it manifests itself in the form of temporary aching pain.However, it can proceed quickly or slowly.If arthrosis is not detected in time in the early stages, this disease will lead to disability.Symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- Swelling in the periarticular area.With arthrosis a different situation occurs: the joint swells only during the acute disease.The disease manifests itself accompanied by severe pain.
- Creaking and feeling of fragility in the joint.From the first minutes the creaking does not particularly bother the owner, but if no treatment is carried out it will be heard by others.A feeling of fragility often occurs after taking a shower or swimming in cool water.
- Drawing the pain.This is especially true when there is stress on the affected joint.For example, when climbing stairs.
In most cases, arthrosis appears due to heavy loads or injuries.The aching pain may intensify at night and continue until the morning.
Who treats the pathology?
Which doctor treats arthrosis and arthritis?As a rule, people go to the doctor after unbearable pain occurs.It is better not to wait for the critical moment and make an appointment as soon as you feel discomfort in your joints.
First of all, you need to go to your local doctor - therapist.He will prescribe additional tests or special procedures.After the examination, he will make a preliminary diagnosis and refer you to the necessary doctor.There are two options here.
Traumatologist-orthopaedist
The therapist refers you to this doctor for more severe forms of osteoarthritis or arthritis.In most cases, he performs surgery followed by recovery procedures.
A traumatologist studies your problem, learns about your complaints, examines the joint and then decides on the necessary treatment.
Most often this is an operation.Orthopedic function is associated with the recovery phase.It is necessary to wear special shoes or other clothing that facilitates movement.It is best to follow this point to speed up the recovery process.
Rheumatologist
If you are faced with the problem of arthrosis or arthritis for the first time, your GP will prescribe you to see a rheumatologist.He will examine your joint, refer you for further testing (if necessary), and make an accurate diagnosis.
Most often, the doctor prescribes treatment at home.Therapy should help stabilize the joint.The main task here is to prevent the disease from developing and leading to serious consequences.
Both doctors are called upon to identify and suggest treatment options.However, a rheumatologist works with milder early stages of the disease.An orthopedic trauma surgeon is the opposite, with severe and complex cases.
Treatment methods for arthrosis and arthritis
There are two methods of treating these diseases:
- medicinal;
- using folk remedies.
Initially, you need to consult with doctors and only then take pills.If you choose medications yourself, you can only make things worse for your body.
Treatment with folk remedies includes: compresses, herbal infusions, ointments.Some examples of how to help with arthritis and arthrosis using folk recipes:
- Grate half a cup of sea buckthorn.Rub the resulting paste with massage movements into the sore joint.Cover with gauze and leave for several hours.It is recommended to repeat every day for two weeks.
- In case of acute pain, rub the joint with ordinary star balm.Leave for several hours.The pain will begin to subside.
- If you experience aching or severe pain, apply a warm compress.To do this, moisten a bandage or gauze with warm water and place it on the joint.Next, wrap it on top with cotton wool and polyethylene to create a kind of bathing effect.It must be kept for 20 minutes.
It is worth understanding that folk remedies can only relieve pain and prevent it for a while.To cure the disease, you need to consult a specialist, a doctor.
What is worse: joint arthritis or arthrosis?
Of course, both of these diseases are quite serious and it is difficult to say which is worse.However, we can consider the example of a knee joint problem.With arthritis, that is, with inflammatory processes, the patient can be helped.
Most often this occurs due to other infections that occur in the human body.If they are treated and the inflammation of the joint is removed, knee arthritis will no longer bother you.
Osteoarthritis is a completely different story.This is an independent disease caused by problems in the cartilage tissue.Often this cannot be done without surgery.This is followed by another long recovery process.
Therefore, we can say that arthrosis is a more serious disease.However, arthritis can cause the disease first.Both disorders should not be overlooked.It is better to immediately contact a specialist.