Joint diseases are quite common in all segments of the population. There are many reasons underlying this condition. Determining the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is not always that easy. An inexperienced person will not understand these two concepts at all. In fact, these diseases are associated with damage to the joints and their further deformation.
Signs of arthritis and arthrosis
There are several main types of osteoarthritis, so symptoms can also vary. In any form, a person experiences an unpleasant pain syndrome. In addition, it can occur when walking or doing physical work. There may be swelling at the site of the lesion. With arthrosis that has "affected" the knee joint, spasms of the calf muscles may occur. Over time, complete deformation of the joint is possible; this is typical of cases when a person does not pay attention to the symptoms. The main signsAtritis and osteoarthritis have some differences.
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process. As mentioned above, it occurs against the background of injuries, infections and dystrophy. It's easy to spot something wrong. A person begins to feel pain both when walking and at rest. The patient begins to wake up at night because he is in pain. The evening and night time is the peak of arthritis activity. The pain increases significantly, so it is clearly impossible to rest and sleep. Particular attention should be paid to the stiffness of the joints, which occurs especially after waking up. This could be the first alarm that the disease is present. Any movement can cause great inconvenience, which suggests that there is most likely an inflammatory process. As arthritis progresses, swelling occurs. Over time, redness becomes noticeable, and when you feel the joint, stabbing pain occurs.
Arthritis of the joints
A joint disease characterized by an inflammatory process is called arthritis. It occurs against the background of previous infections. It could be a sore throat, syphilis, measles or gonorrhea. It can be a result of a previous injury and even hypothermia. Pain when walking and at rest is characteristic. If the damage is severe, there will be an increase in body temperature, insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Joint arthritis can worsen several times a year. This condition is characterized by increased symptoms.
The problem can be eliminated through medical treatment. If the necessary therapy is not prescribed, a chronic form of the disease may develop. If treatment is not started on time, it can have serious consequences. It is possible for deforming osteoarthritis to develop, leading to reduced performance and disability.
To avoid developing arthritis, certain preventive measures must be followed. Infectious diseases should be eliminated in a timely manner, the oral cavity should be disinfected, and hypothermia should be prevented. Hardening and taking vitamins in winter play an important role. At this time, the body needs to be supported in every possible way.
Osteoarthritis of the joints
Osteoarthritis is quite common. It is characterized by damage not only to the joint, but also to bone tissue. An experienced specialist can distinguish arthrosis of the joints from arthritis. The main distinguishing symptom is the presence of a degenerative process. In addition, this process takes place in the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain in the joint; they can worsen with physical activity or normal walking. In severe cases, mobility is limited and the victim may remain disabled. The symptoms of the disease are known to almost 15% of the entire world population. With increasing age, this value begins to increase rapidly. Both women and men suffer from osteoarthritis. There are two forms: primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis occurs in 50% of all cases. It can also develop in a healthy joint. The main reason is excessive stress. Secondary arthrosis occurs against the background of previous injuries and inflammatory processes.
The main pathological mechanism is a metabolic disorder in the cartilage tissue. This leads to a gradual loss of suppleness and elasticity. Over time, the process begins to be transmitted to the bone tissue, provoking the growth of osteophytes. Ultimately, the shape of the bone is disrupted. The joints of the lower extremities are most commonly affected.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term and slowly progressive disease. The result is the formation of ankylosis and a loss of mobility in the affected joint. It is almost impossible to detect the presence of the disease in its early stages because it is asymptomatic. Complex therapy helps to get rid of the disease and restore the person's previous freedom of movement. It is advisable to seek physiotherapy. It is important to maintain a correct lifestyle. It is also important to protect the joints from excessive strain.
Diagnosis of arthritis and arthrosis
Diagnostic measures include many procedures. The first step is to take such a medical history. It is important to know whether the person suffered from an infectious disease or suffered serious injuries. The course of the arthritis is then assessed. An important activity is laboratory testing. This shows the level of uric acid and the presence of antibodies to hemolytic streptococci of group A. Instrumental diagnostics of arthritis and arthrosis is also actively used. It includes ultrasound examinations as well as X-ray examinations. Computed tomography can be used as an auxiliary measure. This allows you to obtain high quality images and see the lesion. The arthroscopy procedure is particularly popular today. This technology allows you to examine the joint in more detail. The X-ray examination is particularly informative. It allows you to get a "picture" of what is happening in additional projections.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is slightly different and takes place in several steps. In the first stage, movements in the joint are observed, more precisely, their boundaries. It is enough to ask the person to make a few movements. The lesion site has pronounced bumps and there are ossified areas at the joint. In the second stage, the mobility of the joint is limited. When you change position, you can hear a characteristic crunching sound. The muscles near the affected joint are partially atrophied. During an X-ray examination, the presence of bone growths is observed. In the third stage, you can notice a pronounced deformation of the joint.
There are also additional research methods. These include: blood test, analysis of synovial fluid. During the blood test, special attention is paid to the ESR indicator. A histological examination of the synovial fluid is often performed.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is therefore chronic damage to the joints due to the inflammatory process. It is characterized by their gradual deformation. The cause of the disease can be damage to the cartilage tissue of the articular surfaces. Arthritis manifests itself as severe pain in the joint, and in some cases mobility decreases significantly. Most often the process occurs in people over 45 years of age, although earlier cases also occur. Women and people with congenital bone and joint damage are particularly affected. Almost 15% of the world's population suffers from this disease. But there is another type of disease called arthritis. An experienced specialist can tell the difference between arthritis and arthrosis.
Arthritis is therefore a whole group of joint diseases. It is an inflammatory process that occurs in the joint. It can occur against the background of injury or infection or be of dystrophic origin. It is characterized by joint pain as well as swelling of the affected area. This is a dangerous phenomenon as it can lead to the development of an inflammatory process in the body. The heart, kidneys and liver can be negatively affected. The disease most often progresses in people under 40 years of age.
The main differences between these diseases can be determined by their symptoms. Severe pain with osteoarthritis occurs when there is heavy strain or movement. At first the pain is not very severe, but as the situation worsens, the pain syndrome becomes more pronounced. With arthritis, pain can be bothersome both when walking and at rest. Osteoarthritis is characterized by a grinding sound and inactivity of the joint. Deformities may occur over time. Arthritis also causes deformation, but this process is accompanied by swelling and redness. When you feel the diseased joint, you will feel a sharp pain. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knee and hip joints. Stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning, and swelling in the fingers are all due to arthritis. If it is an infectious form of the disease, it is characterized by weakness, sweating and pain throughout the body.
Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis
The treatment strategies for these processes are somewhat different. Arthritis is often referred to as a disease of young people. Today several variants of the disease are known. These are reactive, rheumatoid, psoriatic and gouty forms. In this case, joint inflammation is only the beginning of a serious process. Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis should be carried out by an experienced specialist, depending on the person's condition.
The first step is to limit the stress on your joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to eliminate arthritis. Hormonal medications play a special role. These can be ointments and injections. Physiotherapy, diet and physiotherapy are also practiced. Osteoarthritis can also be eliminated with medication. Working with each patient is a jewelry process. Because each situation has its own nuances that must be competently eliminated using all available methods. More detailed information about treatment can be found below.
Medicines for arthritis and arthrosis
Medications against these diseases should only have a positive effect. Particular attention is paid to drugs that can eliminate pain, swelling and eliminate the inflammatory process. Ointments, injections, suppositories and even anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines are often used for these purposes. There are certain medications for arthritis and osteoarthritis that are most commonly used.
Arthritis treatment
Only quick and high-quality treatment will help prevent joint changes. In order to avoid possible disability, you should consult a doctor if you experience the slightest discomfort in the joint. Early diagnosis allows you to detect the disease at the first stage and prevent its exacerbation. Medications are used to treat arthritis, therapeutic exercises complement therapy.
Antibiotics are widely used. Their use is particularly important in the infectious form of the disease. A well-chosen course will quickly solve the problem. Anti-inflammatory treatments are also actively used. It is important to reduce inflammation in the joint and relieve pain. In this case, gels and ointments will help. Wool socks or mittens made from natural sheepskin or dog hair enhance the effect.
During the remission period, the doctor prescribes special gymnastics. The exercises must be performed lying down or in the pelvis. They help relieve pain and eliminate discomfort. Therapeutic nutrition plays an important role. It is necessary to saturate the body with antioxidants and vitamin E. Traditional methods should not be ignored. Further information can be found below.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be eliminated using several methods. Non-drug treatments, medications, traditional medicine and surgical procedures are widely used. Correct diagnosis allows you to prescribe high-quality treatment for arthrosis. Elimination of the disease must be comprehensive and long-term. For this purpose, an individual scheme is selected for each patient.
Non-drug treatment. In the initial stages it is quite possible to do without the help of medication. It is important to eat right. Excess weight only creates additional pressure on the joints. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and not to overload the affected joint. The working and rest times must be strictly adhered to. If you are overweight, it is advisable to reduce it. By normalizing your metabolism, your weight will return to normal and the stress on your joints will be reduced. Physiotherapy and physiotherapeutic methods are widely used. All this is based on performing certain exercises. Massage also helps a lot.
Medication. This method is the leader in eliminating the disease. The choice of drugs to eliminate arthrosis is not so large. Overall, there are two major groups of medications. These are symptomatic remedies that can relieve pain and inflammation. When used, unpleasant symptoms disappear in a short time. These products include ointments and tablets. Use them for 2 weeks. Chondroprotectors are also widely used. Below you will find detailed information about specific medications.
Don't stay behindethnoscience. There are many good recipes that relieve swelling and pain. Finally, surgery is also used. This technique is used only in cases where drug therapy has not shown any effect. Arthroscopy, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are used. Arthroscopy is a less traumatic treatment method. It allows you to make small incisions and perform surgery to assess the condition of the affected cartilage. Arthrodesis is a method that allows you to immobilize the articular surfaces. This technique relieves pain. Arthroplasty involves replacing joint cartilage with a spacer made from your own tissue. This alleviates the victim's condition and restores freedom of movement.
Anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines for arthritis and arthrosis
Homeopathy has always been widely used. Her pantry is full of various medications. Today, inflammatory processes in the joints are no longer difficult to eliminate. There are many medications that can relieve pain and eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines are often used for arthritis and arthrosis.
Gels for arthritis and arthrosis
In complex therapy, special gels and ointments are often used. They relieve pain and eliminate swelling. Often one medication is not enough. Therefore, special gels are often used as an aid to relieve pain in arthritis and arthrosis.
Suppositories for arthritis and arthrosis
Suppositories to treat these conditions are not as commonly taken. The main advantage of using them is their speed of action. This is achieved by the route of administration. In addition, rectal use is practically harmless, side effects are not so common. You can choose suppositories for arthritis and arthrosis in the hospital, but you should not make a decision alone.
Injections for osteoarthritis and arthritis
Injections can reduce pain and completely eliminate it in just a few minutes. They are used frequently, but especially in cases where the situation becomes more complicated.
Traditional methods of treating arthritis and arthrosis
Traditional medicine has always been known for its variety of useful recipes. In her pantry you will find a remedy for every occasion. Treating arthritis and arthrosis with traditional methods allows you to avoid unwanted reactions from the body.
- Cranberry. It is enough to simply prepare a decoction from the leaves of the plant. You need to take a few tablespoons of raw materials and pour 200 ml of boiling water over them. Then everything is put on the stove and cooked. The resulting product must be used correctly. You should dilute 20 grams of raw material per glass of boiling water.
- Birch, nettle and violets. You need to take 2. 5 tablespoons of each ingredient. The leaves themselves are needed. All ingredients are mixed together and poured with a glass of boiling water. After that, the product is put on fire and cooked. The drug is taken in half a glass up to four times a day.
- Blackberry. To prepare, take five grams of currants directly from the leaves. They are poured with a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath for 20 minutes. This remedy will help manage arthritis and arthrosis if you take it one tablespoon three times a day.
- Birch buds. The main ingredient in the amount of 5 grams is poured into a glass of boiling water. After that, everything is put on the fire and cooked for about 15 minutes. The resulting product must be infused for an hour and then taken a quarter of a glass at a time. The frequency of application should not exceed 4 times.
- Burdock root. You need to take burdock roots and chop them. Then pour it into a glass and top up with vodka. The alcohol should cover the top of the burdock by 3 cm. In this condition, the drug is infused for 3 weeks and then rubbed into the sore spots. You can use the product internally 30 minutes before meals up to three times a day.
WHO recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis
Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis must begin with the implementation of special rules. The first step is to establish the order of life and nutrition. It is recommended to start by adjusting your food intake. It is advisable to dilute the diet with vegetables and plant foods. Meat dishes should be reduced. Salty food should fade into the background, as its increased content in the body can lead to deposition of salt in the joints, which is unacceptable. Treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis should be carried out in accordance with WHO recommendations. So food should not contribute to weight gain. If a person is overweight, it is worth losing weight. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided.
It is imperative to exercise and do exercises in the morning. Swimming lessons are perfect. It is worth paying attention to medicinal baths that are anti-inflammatory in nature. You can add eucalyptus, St. John's wort and sandalwood oil to them. In the morning you can wash your face with fruit vinegar. This process must be carried out correctly. You should only wash towards your heart.
Diet for arthritis and arthrosis
In the case of these millet diseases, it is necessary to follow a specific diet. An important point is that the diet must be low in calories. There is no single diet that will help cope with the disease. After all, there are a whole range of reasons that contribute to its development. Therefore, lists of forbidden and permitted foods were created. This is how you can create your own diet for arthritis and arthrosis.
Oily fish has a beneficial effect. It contains essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamins D, A, E. They help strengthen bone tissue, and also regulate the absorption of all necessary microelements. Nuts and oils help saturate the body with vitamin E. Turmeric and ginger have a beneficial effect. These spices can be added to any dish. The diet should be rich in plant foods. It has a positive effect on chronic joint damage. Peaches, kiwis and oranges are perfect. When it comes to vegetables, you should take a closer look at onions and cabbage. The vitamin C contained in it is actively involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. They, in turn, form the basis of cartilage.
Products from the nightshade family can worsen the situation. These include potatoes and tomatoes. It is advisable to avoid consuming these vegetables. Baked goods and fatty dairy products have a negative effect. In general, it is necessary to monitor the condition of your own body. It's worth adding one product to your diet every week and seeing what reactions you get to it. If there are no negative consequences, it can be used. This way you can create a diet yourself.
Exercises for arthritis and arthrosis
A mandatory rule for arthritis and arthrosis is to perform simple exercises. This keeps the muscles and ligaments in an elastic state. You should start doing exercises with your doctor's permission. Situations are different, so the doctor decides which exercises to do for arthritis and arthrosis.
- Exercise No. 1. You need to sit on a high chair or bench. After that, you need to start swinging your legs one at a time. With this exercise you can feel a slight tension in your muscles.
- Exercise No. 2. You should stay in the same position. Only now you need to alternately raise your legs parallel to the floor and hold them in this position for no more than 5 seconds. It must be repeated 10-15 times, constantly alternating legs.
- Exercise number 3. You need to lie on your back and stretch your legs. Then, for the count of one, one leg bends at the knee and then at the hip joint. Next, you need to grab it with your hands and press it to the body, and then lower it to its original position with a sliding movement. A similar manipulation is performed with the second leg.
- Exercise No. 4. Lying on your back, you need to raise each leg 30 cm above the floor and hold it in this position for 5 seconds. Then the leg is lowered to the floor and the same action is performed with the other leg.
- Exercise number 5. You should lie on your stomach and slowly begin to bend your knees one at a time. In this case, the heel should be as close as possible to the buttocks.
- Exercise No. 6. Starting position – lying down. You should bend your leg at the knee and slowly lift the other leg off the floor, as if trying to pull the toe towards you. You need to stay in this position for 10 seconds. Then repeat the manipulation on the second leg.
- Exercise No. 7. While sitting on the floor, you should simply bend your upper body forward. In this case, you should try to hold your feet with your hands. It is enough to do no more than 15 climbs.
- Exercise number 8. While sitting on the floor, you need to bend your knees. And at the same time put your arms around her. The leg should be tense and try to escape your hands. You need to stay in this position for 10 seconds. The action is repeated ten times for each leg. It should be noted that, depending on the clinical picture, only a physiotherapist can prescribe exercises.