Joint diseases are quite common among all segments of the population. This condition is preceded by many reasons. Determining the difference between arthritis and arthrosis 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 joint damage and their further deformation.
Signs of arthritis and arthrosis
Osteoarthritis has several main types, so the symptoms can vary. In any form, a person experiences an unpleasant pain syndrome. Moreover, it can occur when you are walking or doing physical work. Swelling may occur at the site of the lesion. Calf muscle spasms may occur in arthrosis that has "invaded" the knee joint. Over time, complete deformation of the joint is possible, which is typical for those cases when a person does not pay attention to the symptoms. The main signs of arthritis and arthrosis have some differences.
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory process. As mentioned above, it occurs in the background of injury, infection and dystrophy. It is easy to see that something is wrong. A person begins to feel pain when walking, as well as during rest. The patient starts waking up at night because of the pain. Evening and night time is the peak of arthritis activity. The pain intensifies significantly, so it is obviously impossible to rest and sleep. Special attention should be paid to stiffness in the joints, which occurs mainly after waking up. This can be the first "bell" of the presence of the disease. Any movement can cause a lot of discomfort, this indicates that an inflammatory process has most likely occurred. As arthritis progresses, swelling occurs. Over time, redness is noticed, and when you feel the joint, a sharp 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 can be sore throat, syphilis, measles, gonorrhea. It 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, there is an increase in body temperature, insomnia, lack of appetite and nausea. Arthritis of the joints can get worse several times a year. This condition is characterized by increased symptoms.
The problem is eliminated by drug 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 that deforming osteoarthritis will develop, leading to loss of performance and disability.
In order to avoid the development of arthritis, certain preventive measures must be followed. Infectious diseases should be eliminated in time, the oral cavity should be repaired and hypothermia should be prevented. Hardening and taking vitamins in winter plays an important role. At that moment, the body must be supported in every possible way.
Arthrosis of the joints
Arthrosis occurs quite often. It is characterized not only by joint damage, but also by bone tissue. An experienced specialist can distinguish arthrosis of the joints from arthritis. The main distinguishing feature is the presence of a degenerative process. Moreover, this process takes place in the joint itself.
Arthrosis is characterized by pain in the joint, it can intensify while a person performs physical exercise or ordinary walking. In severe cases, mobility is inhibited and the victim may remain disabled. Symptoms of the disease are known to almost 15% of the entire population of the planet. Over the years, this figure begins to rise sharply. Both men and women suffer from arthrosis. It has two forms: primary and secondary. Primary arthrosis occurs in 50% of all cases. It can develop even in a healthy joint. The main reason is too much load. Secondary arthrosis develops on the background of previous injuries and inflammatory processes.
The main pathological mechanism is a metabolic disorder in cartilage tissue. This leads to a gradual loss of smoothness and elasticity. Over time, the process begins to be transferred to the bone tissue, which causes the growth of osteophytes. Finally, the shape of the bone is disturbed. The joints of the lower extremities are most often affected.
Arthrosis is a long-term and slowly progressive disease. Its result is the creation 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 to get rid of the disease and return the person to the previous ease of movement. It is recommended to engage in physical therapy. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to protect the joints from excessive stress.
Diagnosis of arthritis and arthrosis
Diagnostic measures include many procedures. The first step is to collect such an anamnesis. It is important to know whether the person suffered from infectious diseases or had serious injuries. The course of the arthritis is then assessed. An important activity is laboratory tests. This will reveal the level of uric acid and the presence of antibodies to hemolytic streptococcus group A. Instrumental diagnostics of arthritis and arthrosis are also actively used. It includes ultrasound examinations as well as radiography. Computed tomography can be used as an auxiliary measure. This will allow you to get high quality images and see the lesion. Today, the arthroscopy procedure is particularly popular. This technology allows you to study the joint in more detail. X-ray examination is particularly informative. It allows you to get a "snapshot" of what is happening in additional projections.
The diagnosis of arthrosis is somewhat different, it is carried out in several stages. In the first phase, movements in the joint are observed, or more precisely, their limitations. It is enough to ask the person to make a few movements. The site of the lesion is markedly uneven, and there are ossified areas on the joint. In the second stage, the joint is limited in movement. If you change its position, you can hear a characteristic creak. The muscles near the affected joint are partially atrophied. During the X-ray examination, the presence of bone growths is observed. In the third stage, you can notice a marked deformation of the joint.
There are also additional research methods. These include: blood test, 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 arthrosis?
Thus, arthrosis is chronic joint damage 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 joint surfaces. Arthritis manifests itself in the form of severe pain in the joint, in some cases its mobility suddenly decreases. Most often, the process occurs in people older than 45 years, but earlier cases also occur. It mostly affects women and people with congenital bone and joint defects. Almost 15% of the world 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.
So, 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 injury, infection or have a dystrophic origin. It is characterized by joint pain 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 most often progresses in people younger than 40 years old.
The main differences between these diseases can be determined by their symptoms. Thus, severe pain in arthrosis occurs at 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. With arthritis, the pain can be unpleasant both when walking and at rest. Arthrosis is characterized by the presence of creaking and an inactive joint. A deformity may develop over time. Arthritis also leads to deformation, but this process is accompanied by swelling and redness. When you feel the affected joint, a sharp pain occurs. Osteoarthritis most often affects the knee and hip joints. Joint stiffness, especially in the morning, and swelling of the fingers are caused by arthritis. If this is an infectious form of the disease, then it is characterized by weakness, sweating and pain in the whole body.
Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis
Treatment strategies for these processes are somewhat different. Arthritis is often called a disease of the young. Several variants of the disease are known today. 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 arthrosis should 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 relieve arthritis. Hormonal drugs play a special role. These can be ointments and injections. In addition, physical therapy, diet and physiotherapy are practiced. Arthrosis can also be eliminated with medication. Working with each patient is a jewelry process. Because every situation has its nuances, which must be competently eliminated using all available methods. More detailed information about treatment will be provided below.
Medicines for arthritis and arthrosis
Medicines for these diseases should have an exclusively positive effect. Special attention is paid to drugs that can remove pain, swelling and eliminate the inflammatory process. Ointments, injections, suppositories, and even anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines are widely used for these purposes. There are certain medications for arthritis and arthrosis that are most commonly used.
Treatment of arthritis
Only quick and high-quality treatment will help prevent changes in the joint. To avoid possible disability, you should consult a doctor at the slightest discomfort in the joint. Early diagnosis will allow you to recognize the disease in the first stage and prevent its worsening. Medicines 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 from 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 period of remission, 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. Therapeutic diet plays an important role. It is necessary to saturate the body with antioxidants and vitamin E. Traditional methods should not be neglected. More detailed information will be provided below.
Treatment of arthrosis
Osteoarthritis can be eliminated using several methods. Treatment without drugs, drugs, traditional medicine and surgery are widely used. Correct diagnosis will enable you to prescribe quality treatment for arthrosis. The elimination of the disease must be comprehensive and long-lasting. For this purpose, an individual scheme is selected for each patient.
Treatment without drugs. In the initial stage, it is quite possible to cope without the help of drugs. It is important to eat properly. Excess weight only puts extra pressure on the joints. It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and not to overload the affected joint. The schedule of work and rest must be strictly adhered to. If you are overweight, it is recommended that you lose 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 in the elimination of diseases. The choice of drugs to remove arthrosis is not so wide. In total, there are two large groups of drugs. These are symptomatic drugs that can relieve pain and inflammation. When you use 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.
It doesn't fall behindethnoscience. There are many good recipes that will reduce swelling and pain. Finally, surgery is used. This technique is used only in cases where drug therapy has not produced any effect. Arthroscopy, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are used. Arthroscopy is a low-traumatic method of treatment. It allows you to make small incisions and perform surgery, assessing the condition of the affected cartilage. Arthrodesis is a method that allows you to create immobility of joint surfaces. This technique will relieve the pain. Arthroplasty is the replacement of articular cartilage with a spacer made of your own tissue. This will ease the victim's condition and restore range of motion.
Anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines for arthritis and arthrosis
Homeopathy has always been widely used. Her pantry is full of various medicines. Inflammatory processes that develop in the joints are now not difficult to eliminate. There are many medications that can reduce pain and eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory homeopathic medicines are widely used for arthritis and arthrosis.
Gels for arthritis and arthrosis
Special gels and ointments are often used in complex therapy. They will reduce pain and remove swelling. Often one medicine is not enough. Therefore, special gels are widely used as aids for pain relief 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 the speed of action. This is achieved thanks to the method of application. 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 choose them yourself.
Injections for arthrosis and arthritis
Injections can reduce the pain and completely eliminate it in a few minutes. They are used quite often, but mostly in cases where the situation gets complicated.
Traditional methods of treating arthritis and arthrosis
Traditional medicine has always been known for a large number of useful recipes. In her pantry you can find a medicine for every occasion. Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis with traditional methods will allow you to avoid unwanted body reactions.
- Cowberry. It is quite simple to prepare a decoction of plant leaves. It is necessary to take several spoons of raw materials and pour them with 200 ml of boiling water. Then everything is put on the stove and boiled. The resulting product must be used properly. You should dilute 20 grams of raw material per glass of boiling water.
- Birch, nettle and violet. It is necessary to take 2. 5 spoons of each ingredient. And the leaves themselves are needed. All ingredients are mixed and poured with a glass of boiling water. After that, the product is put on fire and cooked. The medicine is used for half a glass up to 4 times a day.
- Black currant. For 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 medicine will help with arthritis and arthrosis if you take a tablespoon 3 times a day.
- Birch buds. The main ingredient in the amount of 5 grams is poured with 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 take 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 thistle by 3 cm. In this state, the medicine is infused for 3 weeks, after which it is rubbed into painful places. You can use the product internally 30 minutes before meals, up to 3 times a day.
WHO recommendations for the treatment of arthrosis and arthritis
Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis must begin with the application of special rules. The first step is establishing the order of life and diet. It is recommended that you start adjusting your food intake. It is recommended to dilute the diet with vegetables and plant foods. Meat dishes should be reduced. Salty food should fade into the background, 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. 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 mandatory 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 them. In the morning, you can wash your face with fruit vinegar. This procedure must be carried out correctly. You should only wash in the direction of your heart.
Diet for arthritis and arthrosis
With these diseases of millet, it is necessary to follow a certain diet. The important thing is that the diet must be low-calorie. There is no single diet that will 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 made. So you can create your own diet for arthritis and arthrosis.
Fatty fish has a beneficial effect. It contains essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamins D, A, E. They help strengthen bone tissue and 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, kiwi and oranges are perfect. Among the vegetables, you should look more closely at onions and cabbage. Vitamin C, which is part of them, actively works in the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers. These in turn form the basis of cartilage.
Products from the nightshade family can make the situation worse. These include potatoes and tomatoes. It is recommended to avoid eating these vegetables. Pastries and fatty dairy products have a negative effect. In general, it is necessary to monitor the state of one's own body. It is worth including one product in your diet each week and see what reaction you get. If there are no negative consequences, then it can be used. That way you can create your own diet.
Exercises for arthritis and arthrosis
A mandatory rule for arthritis and arthrosis is performing 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, so the doctor decides which exercises to do with arthritis and arthrosis.
- Exercise no. 1. You must sit on a high chair or bench. After that you have to start swinging your legs one by one. 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 must be repeated 10-15 times, and the legs are constantly changing.
- Exercise no. 3. You need to lie on your back and stretch your legs. Then, on number one, one leg bends at the knee and then at the hip joint. Then you need to grab it with your hands and press it against your body, then slide it down to its original position. A similar manipulation is performed with the other leg.
- Exercise no. 4. Lying on your back, it is necessary to raise each leg above the floor at a height of 30 cm. This position must be held for 5 seconds. Then the leg is lowered to the floor and the same action is performed with the other leg.
- Exercise no. 5. You should lie on your stomach and start slowly bending your knees, one at a time. In this case, the heel should be as close to the buttocks as possible.
- Exercise no. 6. Initial position – lying down. You should bend your leg at the knee and slowly lift the other leg off the floor, as if you are trying to pull your toe towards you. You must stay in this position for 10 seconds. Then repeat the manipulation with the other leg.
- Exercise no. 7. While sitting on the floor, you should simply bend your torso forward. In this case, try to grip your feet with your hands. It is enough to make no more than 15 slopes.
- Exercise no. 8. While sitting on the floor, you must bend your knees. And at the same time wrap your arms around them. The leg should be tense and try to escape from the hands. You must 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.