There is often confusion between arthritis and osteoarthritis due to the specifics of the disease. Both diseases are related to the joint system. Doctors conducted a comparative analysis of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The first and essential difference is the difference 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. Osteoarthritis is a modification or transformation of the 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 a hereditary predisposition and increased age.Young men most often suffer from arthritis. The disease mainly 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 in older women.
As you can see from the main differences, the diseases are very different. Arthritis can enter the joints through infection. Complications begin after the infection.
Osteoarthritis occurs in the course of circulatory disorders of the joint. Due to the insufficient supply of nutrients, it deforms over time.
There are also differences in the symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis. In arthritis, the joint swells, causing redness due to inflammation. The temperature rises, the head begins to ache and there is increased fatigue. The pain sensations in acute forms are acute. In the case of chronic arthritis, there is constant pain.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are expressed in slowly increasing pain. At first, discomfort is felt at the site of joint deformity. Stress causes pain. The pain increases during movement. Later, the pain is present constantly, even at rest. In osteoarthritis there is a characteristic crunch.
Methods of treatment
Both diseases require special treatment as they are related to the musculoskeletal system. If we talk about arthritis, then the inflammatory process is removed first. Non-steroidal drugs and antibiotics are used as treatment.
In 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 allowed only during the chronic period. In other cases, physical activity of any kind is prohibited.