There is often confusion between arthritis and osteoarthritis due to the specificity of the disease. Both diseases are related to the joint system. Doctors conducted a comparative analysis of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The first and significant 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, disorders of the immune system and organ infections. Arthritis comes in two forms - acute and chronic.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic phenomenon, and the cause of the disease is hereditary predisposition and increased age.
Young men most often suffer from arthritis. The disease mostly 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 among older women.
As you can see from the primary differences, the diseases are very different. Arthritis can enter the joints with an infection. Complications begin after the infection.
Osteoarthritis occurs during a disorder of joint circulation. Due to insufficient supply of nutrients, it deforms over time.
There are also differences in the symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis. In arthritis, the joint swells, which causes redness due to inflammation. The temperature rises, the head begins to ache, and fatigue intensifies. The pain in the acute forms is sharp. In the case of chronic arthritis, there is constant pain.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are expressed in slowly growing pain. Initially, discomfort is felt at the site of joint deformity. Pain comes with stress. The pain intensifies during movement. Later, the pain is constantly present even at rest. With osteoarthritis, there is a characteristic contraction.
Treatment Methods
Both diseases require special treatment because they are related to the locomotor system. If we talk about arthritis, the inflammatory process is removed first. Nonsteroidal drugs and antibiotics are used for treatment.
For osteoarthritis, doctors prescribe chondoprotectors - specific drugs to treat joint disease. 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 nature is prohibited.