Arthritis and osteoarthritis are diseases that not only sound very similar, but also affect the body in the same way: they affect bones, joints, ligaments and cartilage.In both cases, symptoms such as joint pain and difficulty moving also occur.However, there is a pretty big difference between them.We will try to bring some clarity to these concepts.We explain how arthritis and arthrosis manifest themselves, what the difference is between these diseases and how they are treated.
Difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.Osteoarthritis is an age-related change in cartilage tissue (destruction of cartilage).
arthritisis a very broad term that describes different types of diseases that cause joint inflammation.Each type of inflammation has its own name, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis, arthrosis deformans).Arthritis can occur at any age.
Osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis, osteoarthritis)- one of the most common types of arthritis that occurs when cartilage tissue wears away.Our joints are mobile thanks to the cartilage, its elasticity and suppleness.Its destruction leads to direct contact between the bones in the joints and causes pain.Osteoarthritis is an age-related change that occurs as we age.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis also have differences in:
- Symptoms
- Risk factors.
- Classifications.
- Diagnosis.
- Treatment.
Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms can also occur with osteoarthritis, but the nature of these symptoms varies.For example, joint pain is present in both cases, but pain from prolonged strain and stress is only common in osteoarthritis.
arthritis
It is important to understand that the symptoms of one type of arthritis are sometimes completely different from the symptoms of another.But here are some symptoms commonly seen in all types of arthritis:
- Pain.It usually hurts at night and can lessen as the amount of movement increases (e.g. when walking during the day).
- Edema and swelling.If you have not had any injuries and when comparing both knees or wrists, one of them appears swollen, this may indicate arthritis.
- Feelings of joint displacement.You may feel like the joints are shifting and pressing against each other.
- Fatigue.With any inflammatory disease, the immune system is activated and begins an active fight, this leads to a general weakening of the body and fatigue.
- Fever and loss of appetite.Inflammation not only reduces energy levels, as previously mentioned, but can also lead to fever and loss of appetite.
- Redness and rash.Usually occurs near inflamed joints.
- Restricted freedom of movement of the affected joints.It goes without saying that pain makes any movement difficult.Due to the acute pain in the arthritic joints, it becomes difficult to do simple household chores or enjoy your favorite hobby.
Osteoarthritis
Here are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- Pain.The pain is felt in the joint affected by osteoarthritis and varies depending on the degree of cartilage damage.The more cartilage is destroyed, the worse the pain.Unlike arthritis, where pain often occurs at night or at rest, pain in osteoarthritis often occurs during the day: while walking, running, etc. Touching the skin over the painful joint can also cause pain.
- Decreased mobility.It is particularly noticeable after a long period of inactivity, for example after a night's rest.
- Crunch.When moving with osteoarthritis, you may hear certain sounds (not a light clicking, but a heavy and harsh sound).This is the result of the breakdown of cartilage, which is intended to provide smooth, painless friction between the joints.
- Deformation.With arthrosis (especially in later stages), various deformations of bones and joints can occur: nodules, growths.There is no swelling like there is with arthritis.
Risk factors
Some factors may be common in both diseases while others may be different.
- Age.One of the most common risk factors.As you get older, your risk of developing osteoarthritis or other types of arthritis increases tenfold.Older people in particular are affected by osteoarthritis; arthritis can occur at any age.
- Weight.The heavier a person is, the more pressure is placed on their joints.This increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis and arthritis.
- Injury.The risk of osteoarthritis at a young age increases if you have already suffered injuries to your bones or joints.
- Genetics.If many family members suffer from osteoarthritis, there is a high probability that you will also develop this disease.However, your genetics do not increase your risk of developing arthritis.
- Activity.If you constantly do a job that puts a lot of strain on your bones, joints and cartilage, the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases.
By the way, a research group at the University of Oxford recently discovered a marker in the blood that can detect the risk of developing arthritis at an early age (up to 16 years) before the onset of symptoms.
Classification
arthritis
- Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis) is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by wear and tear of cartilage and painful friction between the joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – This type of arthritis usually affects all joints of the body except the lower back.This is an autoimmune disease whose causes are not yet fully understood.A person can get sick at any age (even small children suffer from the disease).
- Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine.It develops in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.This is an autoimmune disease.
- Cervical arthritis can have various causes, but the main reason is age.About 85% of people over 80 suffer from this disease.
- Gout is a rare type of arthritis that causes inflammation of various joints.This disease is caused by an increased level of uric acid in the blood.Gout is now rare.
- Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis characterized by inflammation of the skin and joints.In this disease, inflammation of the tendons and cartilage is observed;The eyes, lungs and even the aorta can also suffer.
- Reactive arthritis occurs as the body's response to an attack by bacteria and infection.The pathogens are intestinal and urogenital infections.The disease causes swelling of the fingers and toes and pain in the lower back.
- Juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects children under 16 years of age.Leads to destruction of bones and joints as well as development and growth problems.
- Post-traumatic arthritis – occurs as a result of previous injuries (fractures, tears, sprains).
Osteoarthritis
There are the following types of osteoarthritis:
- Cervical osteoarthritis affects the cervical vertebrae, occurs with age and can be caused by stress and chronic neck diseases.Symptoms include neck pain and muscle spasms.
- Facet syndrome is most common in older adults and causes back pain, especially when the person is in an upright position.Poor posture can cause facet syndrome.
- Coxarthrosis is osteoarthritis of the hip joint.The hip joint is a hinge joint and one of the strongest in the body.However, wear and tear occurs with age, and coxarthrosis often occurs in athletes and overweight people.
- Lumbar osteoarthritis affects the lower back.It can be caused by scoliosis and abdominal obesity (accumulation of fatty tissue in the upper body).
diagnosis
Diagnosis of both joint diseases includes:
- Opinion poll.When the pain occurred, in which joint, type and duration of pain, occupation, in which cases the pain worsens, previous infectious diseases, injuries, etc.
- Visual inspection and palpation.Examination for visible signs: swelling, redness, nodules.
- Analyzes.
- X-ray and MRI.
What is the difference between diagnosing arthritis and osteoarthritis?Because arthritis is an inflammatory disease, the inflammation will show up in a blood test.Tests for osteoarthritis are clear;X-rays or MRI are usually used for diagnosis.
Treatment
arthritis
Depending on the severity of the disease, there are different treatment options.The main goal of treating arthritis is to eliminate the cause of joint inflammation.
- Medication.Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may require a combination of medications.In addition to analgesics, your doctor may also prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, antibiotics, and hormonal medications to relieve pain.
- Lifestyle adjustment – diet and exercise to relieve pressure on the joints.It is necessary to eat foods high in calcium (to stimulate bone strength) and foods rich in protein (to build strong muscles).
- Surgical intervention.The operations range from small procedures to major operations (joint replacements).
Osteoarthritis
The main goal of osteoarthritis treatment is to restore damaged cartilage.Treatment includes:
- Medicines in tablet form are chondroprotectors.
- Injections – corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid to relieve inflammation and increase mobility.
- Massage therapy.The following essential oils are particularly effective: orange, ginger, lavender, rosemary, sandalwood and eucalyptus.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.
- Surgery – Damaged joints can be replaced with artificial ones to relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Lifestyle adjustment – diet and exercise to relieve pressure on the joints.It is necessary to eat foods high in calcium (to stimulate bone strength) and foods rich in protein (to build strong muscles).
Conclusions
- Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.Osteoarthritis is an age-related change in cartilage tissue (destruction of cartilage).
- Osteoarthritis occurs in older people (50+) (can also occur at a young age, but very rarely and after a serious injury).Arthritis can occur at any age (including children).
- With osteoarthritis, the joints hurt during physical activity.With arthritis, pain occurs at night.
- With osteoarthritis the pain increases with movement, with arthritis it decreases.
- Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knee and hip joints.Arthritis can occur in any joint;several removed joints or just one may hurt.
- Arthritis, as an inflammatory disease, can be diagnosed through a blood test, but osteoarthritis cannot.