Joint diseases are quite common among all segments of the population. This condition is preceded by many reasons. Determining the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is not always that simple. An inexperienced person will not understand these two concepts at all. After all, in fact, these diseases are associated with damage to the joints and their subsequent deformation.
Signs of arthritis and osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis has several main types, so the symptoms can also vary. In any form, a person experiences an unpleasant pain syndrome. Additionally, it may appear when walking or performing physical work. Swelling may occur at the site of the injury. In cases of osteoarthritis that has "affected" the knee joint, cramps in the calf muscles may occur. Over time, complete deformation of the joint is possible, which is typical for cases where a person does not pay attention to the symptoms. The main signs of atrite and osteoarthritis have some differences.
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process. As mentioned above, this occurs against the background of injury, infection and dystrophy. It's pretty easy to spot something that's wrong. A person begins to feel pain while walking as well as while resting. The patient begins to wake up at night because he is in pain. The evening and night are the peak of arthritic activity. The pain intensifies significantly, so it is clearly impossible to rest and sleep. Particular attention should be paid to joint stiffness, which mainly appears after waking up. This may be the first "bell" of the presence of the disease. Any movement can cause a lot of inconvenience, this indicates that most likely there is an inflammatory process. As arthritis progresses, swelling appears. Over time, redness is noticeable, and when you feel the joint, sharp pain appears.
Arthritis of the joints
A joint disease characterized by an inflammatory process is called arthritis. This occurs against the background of previous infections. It could be a sore throat, syphilis, measles or gonorrhea. This can be the result of a previous injury and even hypothermia. It is characterized by pain when walking and resting. In case of severe damage, an increase in body temperature, insomnia, poor appetite and nausea are observed. Arthritis of the joints can worsen several times a year. This condition is characterized by an increase in symptoms.
The problem is eliminated through drug treatment. If the necessary treatment has not been prescribed, a chronic form of the disease may develop. If treatment is not started on time, it can have serious consequences. It is possible that deforming osteoarthritis may develop, leading to loss of performance and disability.
To avoid the development of 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 avoided. Hardening and taking vitamins in winter play an important role. It is at this time that the body must be supported in every possible way.
Osteoarthritis of the joints
Osteoarthritis occurs quite often. It is characterized not only by damage 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. Additionally, this process takes place within the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain in the joint; it can intensify when a person exercises or walks regularly. In severe cases, mobility is inhibited and the victim may remain disabled. The symptoms of the disease are familiar to almost 15% of the total population of the planet. With age, this figure begins to increase rapidly. Both women and men suffer from osteoarthritis. It comes in two forms: primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis occurs in 50% of cases. It can develop even in a healthy joint. The main reason is excessive load. Secondary osteoarthritis develops against the background of previous injuries and inflammatory processes.
The main pathological mechanism is a metabolic disorder of cartilage tissue. This leads to a gradual loss of softness and elasticity. Over time, the process begins to transfer to bone tissue, causing osteophytes to grow. Ultimately, the shape of the bone is disrupted. The joints of the lower limbs are most often affected.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term, slowly progressing disease. Its result is the formation of ankylosis and loss of mobility in the affected joint. It is almost impossible to detect the presence of the disease in the early stages, since it is asymptomatic. Complex therapy will help get rid of the disease and return the person to his former ease of movement. It is advisable to undergo physical therapy. It is important to maintain a correct lifestyle. It is also important to protect the joints from excessive overload.
Diagnosis of arthritis and osteoarthritis
Diagnostic measures include many procedures. The first step is to collect such a history. It is important to know if the person suffered from infectious diseases or suffered serious injuries. Then, the evolution of the arthritis is evaluated. Laboratory testing is an important activity. This will reveal the level of uric acid and the presence of antibodies against hemolytic streptococcus group A. Instrumental diagnostics of arthritis and arthrosis are also actively used. It includes ultrasound examinations as well as x-rays. Computed tomography can be used as an auxiliary measurement. This will allow you to obtain high quality images and see the lesion. Today, the arthroscopic procedure is particularly popular. This technology makes it possible to study 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, it takes place in several stages. First, we observe the movements of the joint, more precisely their limits. Just ask the person to do a few movements. The lesion site has a pronounced irregularity and ossified areas are present on the joint. In the second stage, movement of the joint is limited. If you change position, you will hear a characteristic cracking sound. The muscles near the affected joint are partially atrophied. During a radiological examination, the presence of bony growths is observed. At the third stage, you may notice a pronounced deformation of the joint.
There are also additional search methods. These include: a blood test, a synovial fluid analysis. When studying blood, special attention is paid to the ESR indicator. A histological examination of the synovium is often performed.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Thus, osteoarthritis is a chronic damage to the joints due to the inflammatory process. It is characterized by their progressive deformation. The cause of the disease may be damage to the cartilaginous tissue of the joint surfaces. Arthritis manifests itself in the form of severe pain in the joint, in some cases its mobility sharply decreases. Most often the process occurs in people over 45 years old, but earlier cases also occur. It mainly affects women and people suffering from congenital malformations of bones and joints. Nearly 15% of the world's inhabitants suffer from this disease. But there is another type of disease called arthritis. An experienced specialist can determine the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis.
So, arthritis is a whole group of joint diseases. It is an inflammatory process that develops in the joint. It can appear in the context of an injury, infection or have a dystrophic origin. It is characterized by pain in the joint as well as swelling of the affected area. This is a dangerous phenomenon because it can lead to the development of an inflammatory process in the body. The heart, kidneys and liver can be negatively influenced. The disease most often develops in people under the age of 40.
The main differences between these diseases can be determined by their symptoms. Thus, intense pain accompanied by osteoarthritis appears during moments of heavy load or during movements. At first, the pain is not very intense, 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 the presence of a cracking noise and the joint is inactive. Over time, deformation may develop. Arthritis also leads to deformity, but this process is accompanied by swelling and redness. When you feel the diseased joint, you feel a sharp pain. Osteoarthritis most often 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, then it is characterized by weakness, sweating and pain throughout the body.
Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis
The treatment strategies for these processes are somewhat different. Arthritis is often referred to as a disease of young people. Today, several varieties of the disease are known. These are reactive, rheumatoid, psoriatic and gouty forms. In this case, joint inflammation is just the beginning of a serious process. Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis should be carried out by an experienced specialist, depending on the person's condition.
The first step is to limit the load on your joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to eliminate arthritis. A special role is given to hormonal drugs. These can be ointments and injections. In addition, physiotherapy, dietetics and physiotherapy sessions are carried out. Osteoarthritis can also be eliminated with medication. Working with each patient is a jewelry process. Because each situation has its own nuances, which must be competently eliminated using all available methods. More detailed treatment information will be provided below.
Medicines for arthritis and osteoarthritis
Medicines against these diseases should have an exclusively positive effect. Particular attention is paid to drugs that can eliminate pain, swelling and eliminate the inflammatory process. For these purposes, ointments, injections, suppositories and even homeopathic anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used. Certain medications for arthritis and osteoarthritis are most often used.
Arthritis treatment
Only timely and high-quality treatment will help prevent changes in the joint. To avoid possible disability, you must consult a doctor at the slightest discomfort in the joint. Early diagnosis will allow you to identify the disease at the first stage and prevent it from getting worse. Medications are used to treat arthritis and therapeutic exercises complement the therapy.
Antibiotics are widely used. It is especially important to use them in the infectious form of the disease. A well-chosen course will quickly solve the problem. Anti-inflammatory treatment is also actively used. It is important to relieve inflammation in the joint and reduce pain. In this case, gels and ointments will come to the rescue. Woolen socks or mittens made of natural sheepskin or dog hair will enhance the effect.
During the period of remission, the doctor prescribes special gymnastics. Exercises should be performed while lying down or in the pool. They will help reduce pain and eliminate discomfort. A therapeutic diet plays an important role. It is necessary to saturate the body with antioxidants and vitamin E. Traditional methods should not be ignored. More detailed information will be provided below.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be eliminated by several methods. Non-drug treatments, medications, traditional medicine and surgery are widely used. A correct diagnosis will allow you to prescribe quality treatment for osteoarthritis. Elimination of the disease must be comprehensive and long-term. For this purpose, an individual scheme is selected for each patient.
Non-drug treatment. At the initial stage, it is quite possible to cope without the help of medications. It is important to eat well. Excess weight only creates additional pressure on the joints. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and not overload the affected joint. Work and rest hours must be respected without reservation. If you are overweight, it is recommended to reduce it. Normalization of metabolism will return your weight to normal and reduce the load on your joints. Physiotherapy and physiotherapeutic methods are widely used. All this is based on performing certain exercises. Massage also helps a lot.
Drugs. This method leads to the elimination of the disease. The choice of drugs to eliminate osteoarthritis is not so wide. In total, there are two large groups of drugs. These are symptomatic remedies that can relieve pain and inflammation. When using them, unpleasant symptoms disappear in a short time. These products include ointments and tablets. Use them for 2 weeks. Chondroprotectors are also widely used. Detailed information on specific drugs will be presented below.
Don't lag behindethnoscience. There are many good recipes that will reduce swelling and pain. Finally, surgery is also used. This technique is used only in cases where drug treatment has not given any effect. Arthroscopy, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are used. Arthroscopy is a low-traumatic treatment method. It allows you to make small incisions and perform surgery, assessing the condition of the affected cartilage. Arthrodesis is a method that creates immobility of the joint surfaces. This technique will relieve the pain. Arthroplasty consists of replacing the articular cartilage with a spacer made from its own tissues. This will alleviate the condition of the victim and restore the range of movements.
Anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines for arthritis and osteoarthritis
Homeopathy has always been widely used. His pantry is full of various medications. Inflammatory processes developing in the joints are now no longer difficult to eliminate. There are many medications that can reduce pain and eliminate inflammation. For arthritis and osteoarthritis, homeopathic anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used.
Gels for arthritis and osteoarthritis
In complex therapy, special gels and ointments are often used. They will reduce pain and eliminate swelling. Often, one medication is not enough. That is why special gels are widely used to relieve pain associated with arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Suppositories for arthritis and osteoarthritis
Suppositories for the treatment of these diseases are not taken so often. The main advantage of their use is their speed of action. This is achieved through the method of administration. In addition, rectal use is practically not dangerous, and side effects do not occur so often. You can choose suppositories for arthritis and arthrosis in the hospital, you do not have to make a choice yourself.
Injections for osteoarthritis and arthritis
Injections can reduce pain and eliminate it completely within minutes. They are used quite often, but mainly in cases where the situation becomes more complicated.
Traditional methods of treating arthritis and osteoarthritis
Traditional medicine has always been famous for its large number of useful recipes. In her pantry you will find a remedy for any occasion. Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis by traditional methods will allow you to avoid unwanted effects from the body.
- Lingonberry. All you need to do is 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 fire and boiled. The product obtained must be used correctly. You need to dilute 20 grams of raw material per glass of boiling water.
- Birch, nettle and violet. You need to take 2. 5 tablespoons of each ingredient. The leaves themselves are necessary. All ingredients are mixed and poured with a glass of boiling water. After which the product is put on fire and boiled. The medicine is used half a glass up to 4 times a day.
- Black currant. For the preparation, take five grams of currants, directly from their leaves. They are poured with a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath for 20 minutes. This remedy will help to cope with arthritis and arthrosis if you take one tablespoon 3 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 boiled 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 use should not exceed 4 times.
- Burdock root. You need to take burdock roots and chop them. Then put it in a jar and fill it with vodka. The alcohol should cover the top of the burdock by 3 cm. In this state, the medicine is infused for 3 weeks, after which it is rubbed into sore spots. You can use the product internally 30 minutes before meals, up to 3 times a day.
WHO recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis
Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis should begin with the implementation of special rules. The first step is to establish the order of life and nutrition. It is recommended to start adjusting your diet. It is advisable to dilute the diet with vegetables and plant foods. Meat dishes should be reduced. Salty foods should come to the background, their increased content in the body can lead to salt deposition 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, which are anti-inflammatory in nature. You can add eucalyptus, St. John's wort and sandalwood oil to it. In the morning, you can wash your face with fruit vinegar. This procedure must be carried out correctly. You must wash only in the direction of your heart.
Diet for arthritis and osteoarthritis
It is necessary to follow a certain diet for these millet diseases. An important point is that the diet should be low in calories. There is no single diet that can help cope with the disease. After all, many reasons contribute to its development. Therefore, lists of prohibited and permitted foods have been created. So you can create a diet for arthritis and osteoarthritis yourself.
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 to 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. Among vegetables, you should take a closer look at onions and cabbage. Vitamin C, which is part of it, has an active effect in the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. They in turn constitute the base of the cartilage.
Products from the nightshade family can make the situation worse. These include potatoes and tomatoes. It is advisable to avoid eating these vegetables. Bakery products and fatty dairy products have a negative effect. In general, it is necessary to monitor the condition of your own body. It is worth including a product in your diet every week and seeing what kind of reaction you get. If there are no negative consequences, it can be used. This way you can create a diet yourself.
Exercises for arthritis and osteoarthritis
A mandatory rule for arthritis and arthrosis is to perform simple exercises. This will keep the muscles and ligaments in an elastic state. You should start doing exercises with your doctor's permission. The situations are different, which is why the doctor decides which exercises to do for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Exercise #1. You must sit on a high chair or bench. After which you need to start swinging your legs one at a time. This exercise will allow you to feel slight tension in your muscles.
- Exercise #2. You must stay in the same position. Only now you will 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 #3. You need to lie on your back and stretch your legs. Then, counting to one, one leg bends at the knee, then at the hip joint. Then you need to grab it with your hands and press it to the body, then lower it with a sliding movement to its original position. A similar manipulation is performed with the second leg.
- Exercise #4. Lying on your back, you need to raise each leg above the floor to a height of 30 cm 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 #5. You need to lie on your stomach and slowly start bending your knees, one at a time. In this case, the heel should be as close to the buttocks as possible.
- Exercise n°6. Starting position – lying down. You should bend your leg at the knee and slowly lift the other leg off the ground, as if trying to pull the toe towards you. You must stay in this position for 10 seconds. Then repeat the manipulation on the second leg.
- Exercise #7. When you are sitting on the floor, you should simply lean your torso forward. In this case, you should try to clasp your feet with your hands. Just do no more than 15 inclinations.
- Exercise #8. When you are sitting on the floor, you should bend your knees. And at the same time, wrap your arms around them. The leg should be straight and trying to escape from your hands. You must stay in this position for 10 seconds. For each leg, the action is repeated 10 times. Note that only a physiotherapist can prescribe exercises, depending on the characteristics of the disease.