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 so 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 increased deformation.
Signs of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis has several main types, so the symptoms can also vary. In any form, a person experiences unpleasant pain syndrome. Additionally, it can appear when walking or doing physical work. Swelling may occur at the injury site. With osteoarthritis that has "affected" the knee joint, cramps may occur in the calf muscles. Over time, a complete deformation of the joint is possible, this is typical for those cases when a person does not pay attention to the symptoms. The main signs of athritis 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 pretty easy to spot something wrong. A person begins to feel pain when walking, as well as during rest. The patient begins to wake up at night because he feels pain. The afternoon and evening are the peak of arthritis activity. The pain intensifies significantly, making it clearly impossible to rest and sleep. Particular attention should be paid to joint stiffness, which appears mainly 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 the joint is palpated, 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. In case of severe damage, there is an increase in body temperature, insomnia, lack of appetite and nausea. Joint arthritis 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. 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 must be eliminated in a timely manner, the oral cavity must be disinfected and hypothermia prevented. An important role is played by hardening and vitamin intake in winter. It is at this time that the body should be supported in every way possible.
Osteoarthritis of the joints.
Osteoarthritis occurs quite frequently. It is characterized not only by damage to the joint, but also to bone tissue. An experienced specialist will be able to distinguish osteoarthritis of the joints from arthritis. The main distinguishing symptom is the presence of a degenerative process. Furthermore, this process takes place in the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain in the joint; It can intensify when a person exercises or walks normally. In severe cases, mobility is inhibited and the victim may become 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 modalities: primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis occurs in 50% of all 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 in the cartilaginous tissue. This leads to a gradual loss of smoothness and elasticity. Over time, the process begins to transfer to bone tissue, causing the growth of osteophytes. Ultimately, the shape of the bone is altered. The joints of the lower extremities are the most affected.
Osteoarthritis is a long-term disease with slow progression. 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, because 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 perform physical therapy. It is important to maintain a correct lifestyle. It is also important to protect the joints from excessive overloads.
Diagnosis of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Diagnostic measures include many procedures. The first step is to collect this history. It is important to know if the person was suffering from infectious diseases or if they had serious injuries. The course of the arthritis is then evaluated. An important activity is laboratory testing. This will reveal the level of uric acid and the presence of antibodies to group A hemolytic streptococcus. Instrumental diagnosis of arthritis and arthrosis are also actively used. Includes ultrasound exams and x-rays. Computed tomography can be used as an auxiliary measure. This will allow you to obtain high-quality images and see the injury. Today, the arthroscopy procedure is especially popular. This technology allows the joint to be studied in more detail. The X-ray examination is particularly informative. Allows you to get a "picture" of what is happening in additional projections.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is slightly different and is carried out in several stages. In the first stage, the movements in the joint are observed, more precisely, its limitations. It is enough to ask the person to make some movements. The injury site has a pronounced slope and there are ossified areas in the joint. In the second stage, the joint has limited movement. 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 bone growths is noted. In the third stage, a pronounced deformation of the joint can be noted.
There are also additional research methods. These include: blood test, synovial fluid analysis. When studying blood, special attention is paid to the ESR indicator. Histological examination of the synovial membrane is often performed.
What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Therefore, osteoarthritis is chronic damage to the joints due to the inflammatory process. It is characterized by its gradual deformation. The cause of the disease may be damage to the cartilaginous tissue of the articular surfaces. Arthritis manifests itself as severe pain in the joint and, in some cases, its mobility drastically decreases. Most often, the process occurs in people over 45 years of age, but earlier cases also occur. It mainly affects women and people who have 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 osteoarthritis.
Therefore, arthritis is a whole group of joint diseases. It is an inflammatory process that develops in the joint. It may 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 affected. The disease progresses most frequently in people under 40 years of age.
The main differences between these diseases can be determined by their symptoms. Thus, intense pain with osteoarthritis appears at times of heavy load or during movement. At first, the pain is not very intense, 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 cracking sound and the joint becomes inactive. Over time, a deformity can develop. Arthritis also causes deformities, but this process is accompanied by swelling and redness. When you feel the diseased joint, you feel sharp pain. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knee and hip joints. Joint stiffness, especially in the morning, and swelling of the fingers are 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 osteoarthritis.
Treatment strategies for these processes are somewhat different. Arthritis is often considered a disease of the young. 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 the joints. Anti-inflammatory medications are widely used to eliminate arthritis. A special role is given to hormonal medications. These can be ointments and injections. In addition, physiotherapy, diet and physical therapy are practiced. 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 information about the treatment will be provided below.
Medications for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Medicines for these diseases should have an exclusively positive effect. Particular attention is paid to drugs that can relieve pain, swelling and eliminate the inflammatory process. For these purposes, anti-inflammatory ointments, injections, suppositories and even homeopathic medicines are widely used. There are certain medications for arthritis and osteoarthritis that are most commonly used.
Arthritis treatment
Only prompt and high-quality treatment will help prevent changes in the joint. To avoid possible disability, it is advisable to consult a doctor at the slightest discomfort in the joint. Early diagnosis will allow the disease to be identified in 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 solve the problem quickly. Anti-inflammatory treatment is also actively used. It is important to relieve joint inflammation 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. The exercises should 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.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis can be eliminated by several methods. Non-pharmacological treatments, medications, traditional medicine and surgery are widely used. The correct diagnosis will allow you to prescribe quality treatment for osteoarthritis. Elimination of the disease must be comprehensive and long-term. For this, an individual scheme is selected for each patient.
Non-pharmacological treatment. At the initial stage, it is quite possible to get by without the help of medications. 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 unconditionally observed. If you are overweight, it is recommended to reduce it. Normalizing metabolism will return your weight to normal and reduce the load on your joints. Physiotherapy and physiotherapy methods are widely used. All of this is based on performing certain exercises. Massage also helps a lot.
Medicines. This method is a leader in eliminating the disease. The choice of drugs to eliminate osteoarthritis is not so wide. In total, there are two large groups of medications. 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 medications will be presented below.
Not left 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-traumatic treatment method. It allows small incisions to be made and surgery to be performed, assessing the condition of the affected cartilage. Arthrodesis is a method that allows you to create immobility of the articular surfaces. This technique will relieve pain. Arthroplasty is the replacement of articular cartilage with a spacer made from your own tissue. This will alleviate the victim's condition and restore range of motion.
Homeopathic anti-inflammatory medicines for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Homeopathy has always been widely used. His pantry is full of various medicines. Inflammatory processes developing in the joints are now not difficult to eliminate. There are many medications that can reduce pain and eliminate inflammation. For arthritis and osteoarthritis, homeopathic anti-inflammatory medications are widely used.
Gels for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In complex therapies, special gels and ointments are often used. They will reduce pain and eliminate swelling. Often, one drug is not enough. Therefore, special gels are widely used as pain relief aids in arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Suppositories for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Suppositories for the treatment of these diseases are not taken so often. The main advantage of its use is its speed of action. This is achieved thanks to the administration method. In addition, rectal use is practically not dangerous, and side effects do not occur so often. You can choose suppositories for arthritis and osteoarthritis in the hospital, you should not make a decision on your own.
Injections for osteoarthritis and arthritis.
Injections can reduce pain and eliminate it completely within minutes. They are used quite frequently, 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 your pantry you can find a remedy for any occasion. Treating arthritis and osteoarthritis with traditional methods will allow you to avoid adverse reactions in the body.
- Cowberry. It is enough to prepare a decoction from the leaves of the plant. You need to take a couple of tablespoons of raw materials and pour them with 200 ml of boiling water. Then everything is put on the fire and boiled. The resulting product must be used correctly. You must 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 needed. All ingredients are mixed and poured with a glass of boiling water. After which the product is set on fire and boiled. The medicine is used half a glass up to 4 times a day.
- Blackcurrant. To prepare it, take five grams of currants, directly from its leaves. They are poured with a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath for 20 minutes. This remedy will help you cope with arthritis and osteoarthritis if taken one tablespoon 3 times a day.
- Birch shoots. The main ingredient in an amount of 5 grams is poured into a glass of boiling water. Afterwards, 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 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 food intake. It is advisable to dilute the diet with vegetables and plant foods. Meat dishes should be reduced. Salty foods should take a backseat; Its increased content in the body can cause salt deposition in the joints, which is unacceptable. The treatment of osteoarthritis and arthritis should be carried out according to WHO recommendations. Therefore, 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 classes 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 vinegar made from fruits. This procedure must be done correctly. You should 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 must be low in calories. There is no single diet that helps deal with the disease. After all, there are many reasons that contribute to its development. For this reason, lists of prohibited and permitted foods were created. Therefore, 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 the 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, it is worth taking a closer look at onions and cabbage. Vitamin C, which is part of them, has an active effect on the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. They, in turn, form the base of cartilage.
Products from the nightshade family can aggravate the situation. These include potatoes and tomatoes. It is advisable to avoid the consumption of these vegetables. Baked goods and fatty dairy products have a negative effect. In general, it is necessary to monitor the state of your own body. It's worth including one product into your diet each week and seeing what kind of reaction you get. If there are no negative consequences, then it can be used. This way you can create a diet yourself.
Exercises for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
A mandatory rule for arthritis and osteoarthritis is to perform simple exercises. This will keep the muscles and ligaments in an elastic state. You should start exercising with your doctor's permission. The situations are different, so the doctor decides what exercises to do for arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Exercise No. 1. You need to sit on a high chair or bench. After which you should start swinging your legs one by one. This exercise will allow you to feel a slight tension in your muscles.
- Exercise number 2. You must remain 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 to 15 times, constantly alternating legs.
- Exercise No. 3. You should lie on your back and stretch your legs. Then, on a count of one, one leg is bent at the knee and then at the hip joint. Next, 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 carried out with the second section.
- Exercise No. 4. Lying on your back, it is necessary to lift each leg off the floor to a height of 30 cm, holding 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 number 5. You should lie face down and begin to slowly bend your knees, one at a time. In this case, the heel should be as close to the buttocks as possible.
- Exercise No. 6. Starting position: lying down. You should bend your leg at the knee and slowly lift your other leg off the ground, as if trying to pull your toe towards you. You must remain in this position for 10 seconds. Then repeat the manipulation on the second section.
- Exercise No. 7. While sitting on the floor, you simply have to lean your torso forward. In this case, you should try to hold 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 surround them with your arms. The leg should be tense and try to escape your hands. You must remain 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.