Joint diseases are quite common in all segments of the population. This condition is preceded by many reasons. Determining the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is not always so easy. 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 further 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. Also, it can appear when walking or doing physical work. Swelling may occur at the site of the injury. With arthrosis that has "affected" the knee joint, cramps in the calf muscles may occur. Over time, complete deformation of the joint is possible, this is typical for cases when a person does not pay attention to the symptoms. The main signs of attritis and arthrosis have some differences.
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process. As mentioned above, it occurs against the background of injuries, infections and dystrophy. It's pretty easy to spot something wrong. A person begins to feel pain when walking and while resting. The patient starts waking up at night because he is in pain. Evening and nighttime represent the peak of arthritis activity. The pain intensifies significantly, so it is clearly impossible to rest and sleep. Particular attention should be paid to joint stiffness, which appears especially after waking up. This could be the first "bell" of the presence of the disease. Any movement can cause a lot of discomfort, this indicates that there is most likely an inflammatory process. As arthritis progresses, swelling appears. Over time, redness is noticeable, and when feeling the joint, a sharp pain appears.
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 sore throat, syphilis, measles, gonorrhea. It can be a consequence of a previous injury and even hypothermia. It is characterized by pain when walking and at rest. With severe damage, an increase in body temperature, insomnia, lack of 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 therapy 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 arthrosis will develop, which will lead to loss of performance and disability.
To avoid the development of arthritis, you need to follow some preventive measures. Infectious diseases should be eliminated in a timely manner, the oral cavity should be disinfected, and hypothermia should be prevented. Hardening and vitamin intake in winter play an important role. It is at this time that the body needs to be supported in every possible way.
Arthritis of the joints
Osteoarthritis occurs quite often. It is characterized not only by damage to the joint, but also to the bone tissue. An experienced specialist can distinguish arthrosis of the joints from arthritis. The main distinctive symptom is the presence of a degenerative process. Moreover, this process occurs in the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint pain; may intensify during exercise or normal walking. In severe cases, mobility is inhibited and the victim may remain disabled. The symptoms of the disease are familiar to almost 15% of the entire population of the planet. With age, this figure begins to increase rapidly. Both women and men suffer from osteoarthritis. It has two forms: primary and secondary. Primary arthrosis occurs in 50% of cases. It can also develop into a healthy joint. The main reason is excessive load. Secondary arthrosis develops 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 progressive loss of softness and elasticity. Over time, the process begins to transfer to bone tissue, causing the growth of osteophytes. Eventually, the shape of the bone is broken. The joints of the lower extremities are most often affected.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term and slowly progressive disease. The 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, because it is asymptomatic. Complex therapy will help get rid of the disease and return the person to his previous ease of movement. It is recommended to engage in 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 arthrosis
Diagnostic measures include many procedures. The first step is to collect this medical history. It is important to know whether the person suffered from infectious diseases or had serious injuries. Then the course of the arthritis is evaluated. An important activity is laboratory analyses. This will reveal the level of uric acid and the presence of antibodies to group A hemolytic streptococcus. Instrumental diagnostics of arthritis and arthrosis is also actively used. It includes ultrasound and radiographic tests. Computed tomography can be used as an auxiliary measurement. This will allow you to get high-quality images and see the lesion. Today the arthroscopy procedure is especially popular. This technology allows you to study the joint in more detail. The radiographic 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; is performed in several stages. In the first phase, the movements of the joint are observed, more precisely, their limits. It is enough to ask the person to make some movements. The lesion site has pronounced irregularities and there are ossified areas on the joint. In the second phase, the movement of the joint is limited. If you change its position, you can hear a characteristic creak. The muscles near the affected joint are partially atrophied. During an x-ray examination the presence of bony growths is observed. In the third stage, a pronounced deformation of the joint can be noted.
There are also additional search methods. These include: blood tests, synovial fluid analysis. When studying blood, special attention is paid to the ESR indicator. Histological examination of the synovium 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 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 decreases dramatically. Most often, the process occurs in people over the age of 45, but earlier cases also occur. It most often affects women and people with congenital bone and joint defects. Almost 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 arthrosis.
Therefore, arthritis is a whole group of joint diseases. It is an inflammatory process that develops in the joint. It can appear against the background of injuries, infections or have a dystrophic origin. It is characterized by pain in the joint and 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 affected. The disease progresses more often in people under the age of 40.
The main differences between these diseases can be determined by their symptoms. Therefore, severe pain with arthrosis appears during moments of heavy load or during movement. At first the pain is not very strong, but as the situation worsens, the pain syndrome becomes pronounced. In arthritis, pain can be bothersome both when walking and at rest. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the presence of a creaking noise and inactivity of the joint. Over time, deformities may develop. Arthritis also leads to deformation, 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 this 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 slightly different. Arthritis is often called a disease of the young. Today, several varieties of the disease are known. These are the reactive, rheumatoid, psoriatic and gouty forms. In this case, joint inflammation is just the beginning of a serious process. The treatment of arthritis and arthrosis must be carried out by an experienced specialist, based on the person's condition.
The first step is to limit the load on the joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to eliminate arthritis. A special role is given to hormonal drugs. These can be ointments and injections. Physiotherapy, diet and physiotherapy are also practiced. Osteoarthritis can also be eliminated with medications. Working with each patient is a jewel-making process. Because each situation has its own nuances, which must be competently eliminated using all available methods. More detailed information about the treatment will be provided below.
Medicines for arthritis and arthrosis
Medicines for 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 anti-inflammatory homeopathic drugs are widely used. There are some drugs for arthritis and osteoarthritis that are used more often.
Arthritis treatment
Only quick and high-quality treatment will help prevent changes in the joint. To avoid possible disabilities, you should consult a doctor at the slightest discomfort in the joint. Early diagnosis will allow you to identify the disease at its first stage and prevent it from getting worse. Medicines are used to treat arthritis and therapeutic exercises complete 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 of the joint and reduce pain. In this case, gels and ointments will come to the rescue. Woolen socks or gloves made of natural sheepskin or dog hair will enhance the effect.
During the remission period, the doctor prescribes special gymnastics. The exercises must be performed in a lying position 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 using several methods. Non-pharmacological treatments, drugs, traditional medicine and surgery are widely used. The correct diagnosis will allow you to prescribe quality treatment for arthrosis. Elimination of the disease must be complete and long-term. For this purpose, an individual scheme is selected for each patient.
Non-pharmacological treatment. At the initial stage, it is quite possible to cope without the help of drugs. It is important to eat well. Excess weight only creates additional pressure on your joints. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and not overload the affected joint. The work and rest schedule must be respected unconditionally. If you are overweight, it is recommended to reduce it. Normalizing your metabolism will bring your weight back to normal and reduce the load on your joints. Physical therapy and physiotherapeutic methods are widely used. All this is based on the performance of certain exercises. Massage also helps a lot.
Medicines. This method is leading to the elimination of the disease. The choice of drugs to eliminate arthrosis 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 period of 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 stay 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 therapy has not given any effect. Arthroscopy, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are used. Arthroscopy is a low-trauma treatment method. It allows you to make small incisions and perform surgical operations, evaluating the conditions of the affected cartilage. Arthrodesis is a method that allows you to create immobility of the joint surfaces. This technique will relieve the pain. Arthroplasty is the replacement of joint cartilage with a spacer made from your own tissue. This will alleviate the victim's condition and restore freedom of movement.
Homeopathic anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis and arthrosis
Homeopathy has always been widely used. His pantry is full of various medicines. Inflammatory processes that develop in the joints are now not difficult to eliminate. There are many drugs that can reduce pain and eliminate inflammation. For arthritis and arthrosis, homeopathic anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used.
Gel for arthritis and arthrosis
In complex therapy, special gels and ointments are often used. They will reduce pain and remove swelling. Often one drug is not enough. Therefore, special gels are widely used as pain relief aids in arthritis and arthrosis.
Suppositories for arthritis and arthrosis
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 thanks to the method of administration. In addition, rectal use is practically not dangerous, side effects do not occur so often. You can choose suppositories for arthritis and arthrosis in the hospital, you should not make a choice yourself.
Injections for arthrosis and arthritis
Injections can reduce pain and eliminate it completely within minutes. They are used quite often, but mostly in cases where the situation becomes more complicated.
Traditional methods of treating arthritis and arthrosis
Traditional medicine has always been famous for its large number of useful recipes. In his pantry you can find a remedy for every occasion. Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis with traditional methods will allow to avoid adverse reactions on the part of the body.
- Cranberry. It is enough to simply prepare a decoction from the leaves of the plant. You need to take a couple of spoons of raw materials and pour 200 ml of boiling water over them. Then everything is put on the fire and boiled. The resulting product must be used correctly. You should 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 together and poured with a glass of boiling water. After that the product is put on fire and boiled. The drug is used half a glass up to 4 times a day.
- Blackcurrant. 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 to cope with arthritis and arthrosis if you take it one tablespoon 3 times a day.
- Birch shoots. The main ingredient in the amount of 5 grams is poured into a glass of boiling water. Then everything is put on the heat and boiled for about 15 minutes. The resulting product is left to infuse for an hour and then drunk a quarter of a glass at a time. The frequency of use should not exceed 4 times.
- Burdock root. You need to take the burdock roots and cut 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 drug 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 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 changing your food intake. It is recommended to dilute the diet with vegetables and plant foods. Meat dishes should be reduced. Salty food should take a back seat, its increased content in the body can lead to the deposition of salt in the joints, which is unacceptable. Treatment of arthrosis and arthritis should be carried out according to WHO recommendations. So food should not contribute to weight gain. If a person is overweight, it is worth losing weight. Consumption of alcohol should also be avoided.
It is imperative to exercise and do exercises in the morning. The 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 them. In the morning you can wash your face with fruit vinegar. This procedure must be done correctly. You should wash only in the direction of your heart.
Diet for arthritis and arthrosis
It is necessary to follow a certain diet for these millet diseases. An important point is that the diet must be low-calorie. There is no single diet that can help you cope with the disease. After all, there are many reasons that contribute to its development. Therefore, lists of prohibited and permitted foods were created. Therefore, you can create a diet for arthritis and arthrosis yourself.
Blue 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. 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 fibres. They in turn form the basis of the cartilage.
Products from the nightshade family can aggravate the situation. These include potatoes and tomatoes. It is advisable to avoid eating these vegetables. Baked goods and full-fat dairy products have a negative effect. In general, you need to monitor the condition of your body. It's worth including one 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 arthrosis
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. Situations are different, so the doctor decides what exercises to do for arthritis and arthrosis.
- Exercise no. 1. You must sit on a high chair or bench. Then you need to start swinging your legs one at a time. This exercise will allow you to feel a slight tension in your muscles.
- Exercise no. 2. You should stay in the same position. Only now you will have to raise your legs alternately parallel to the floor and hold them in this position for no more than 5 seconds. It should be repeated 10-15 times, constantly alternating legs.
- Exercise no. 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. Next, you need to grab it with your hands and press it against the body, then lower it with a sliding movement to the original position. A similar manipulation is performed with the second leg.
- Exercise no. 4. Lying on your back, you need to lift each leg off the floor to a height of 30 cm and hold it in this position for 5 seconds. Then the leg is lowered to the ground and the same action is performed with the other leg.
- Exercise no. 5. You should lie down on your stomach and slowly start bending 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 your 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 torso forward. In this case, you should try clasping your feet with your hands. It is enough to do no more than 15 inclinations.
- Exercise no. 8. While sitting on the floor, you need to bend your knees. And at the same time wrap your arms around them. The leg should be tense and try to escape from your hands. You need to stay in this position for 10 seconds. For each leg the action is repeated 10 times. It should be noted that only a physiotherapist can prescribe exercises, depending on the characteristics of the disease.