
There are many pathologies of the joints, they vary depending on the origin, development mechanism, symptoms and treatment methods.Most of the time, arthritis and arthrosis are diagnosed.The diseases are similar, but have some important differences.A differential diagnosis is required for the correct selection of the therapy and the timely prevention of serious complications.To prevent misunderstandings and confusion, you should find out how arthrosis is different and what diseases it is.
What is arthritis and osteoarthritis, how they differ?
Arthritis, arthrosis - two different diseases that affect the joints.Despite the consonance of terms, this is not the same diagnosis and even more synonyms.You have both general and different characters, so you shouldn't be confused.
Arthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic common pathology that is characteristic:
- Damage to the cartilage tissue with the gradual participation of ligaments, muscles, synovial bowl, bones in the destructive process;
- non -inflammatory character;
- Chronic form of the course;
- It develops locally without influencing the body as a whole.
Arthrosis mainly occurs in adulthood after 45 years in women against the background of the body, the wear of the musculoskeletal system.Occasionally, due to considerable physical exertion, serious injuries and undesirable working conditions, occurring at more young years.According to the international classification MKB-10, a code of M15-M19 is assigned.
Arthritis is a collective term that contains common diseases:
- Is inflammatory;
- It continues more often in acute form and turns into chronic;
- influences bone tissue and joint cavity;
- It occurs as a systemic lesion, with several joint connections and target organs involved in the pathological process.
Adults under the age of 40 and children are subject to arthritis.The disease is reversible, successfully treated to seek medical help in good time.After the classifier, ICD-10 has a code M00-14.
Frequently drical and osteoarthritis pathologies are often connected to each other.Incomplete arthritis with age leads to dystrophic changes in the cartilage.The arthrosis during the exacerbation periods is in turn accompanied by inflammation of the tissue.A common illness is referred to as arthroso arthritis.

Types of diseases
Arthritis in the official medical classification is divided into species according to several criteria.Depending on the form of acute (severe inflammation, more accessible for complete healing) and chronic (incurable pathology with deterioration).According to the degree of damage to the joints, there is monoarthritis (in one joint), oligoarthritis (in 2-3 joints), polyarthritis (multiple inflammation).
The most popular classifier in arthritis is taken into account according to the origin:
- Rheumatoids - The basic cause lies in genetic diseases of autoimmune nature;
- infectious (septic) - the development of a pathogenic microflora directly in the joint cavity;
- Reactive - secondary complication of respiratory infections, intestinal infections;
- Traumatic (post -traumatic) - is formed due to mechanical damage to bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments;
- Exchange (gout) - violation of metabolic processes in the body;
- Rheumatic - develops after a bacterial infection in the body.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by an exclusively chronic form with damage to a joint connection.It mainly affects mobile joints in the human body - legs (knees, ankles, foot), hands (shoulder, elbow) and the jaw and vertebral areas.
Depending on the localization, it is divided into:
- Knee (gonarthrosis);
- Hip (Coksartrose);
- Ankle;
- Brachial;
- Elbow;
- Hands;
- Thumbs of the leg;
- Spine (spondylarthrosis);
- cervical (unkwertbral);
- Land-nomplete (VMS).
The therapy mainly depends on the type of joint pathology, especially arthritis.
The difference in the causes of arthritis and arthrosis
Against the background of many unwanted factors, arthritis and arthrosis occur.The common provocateurs of both diseases are:
- genetic predisposition;
- Injuries (bruises, transfers, subluxation, stretching, fractures);
- Congenital anomalies in the development of the musculoskeletal system;
- Metabolic and hormone disorders;
- Severe chronic diseases (rheumatism, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid problems);
- Improper lifestyle (low activity, poor nutrition, obesity, bad habits);
- Significant physical and emotional stress.
The deviations listed have an adverse effect on the body as a whole, which significantly increases the risk of joint disease.However, there are more direct and obvious causes for every illness.
Of great importance for the development of arthritis game:

- Infections with viral, fungal, bacterial origin (influenza, salmonellosis, hepatitis, tonsillitis, intestinal infection, borrella, syphilis);
- Autoimmunpathologies (psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, red lupus);
- Metabolic injury (gout);
- Bone diseases (osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, osteochondrosis, osteoarthrosis);
- allergic reactions;
- low immunity;
- Surgical operations on the joints.
The impulse for the occurrence of pathology can be banal hypothermia, poor hygienic living conditions, an unbalanced diet.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?Degenerative changes in the cartilage for arthrosis occur in addition to the common causes for reasons:
- Age -related diseases of the functionality of the musculoskeletal system;
- Unused inflammatory process in the joints (arthritis, synovitis);
- poor blood circulation (atherosclerosis, cramp);
- Professional activities (athletes).
Typically, the articular pathology is the result of several internal and external secondary factors at the same time.

The difference between arthritis and arthrosis in symptoms
The symptoms of two diseases in general manifestations are quite similar.The inflammatory and non -inflammatory damage to the joints is characterized by:
- Pain of different intensity;
- A feeling of stiffness and stiffness;
- Crunch and creak while walking;
- Complaints after a long calm;
- Painful reaction to changes in weather, physical activity;
- External deformation of the affected area.
At the same time, nature and time of the occurrence differ significantly, the severity and intensity of the pathological process.
On these signs you can understand what the disease is in front of you - arthritis, arthrosis, what the difference between you is:
- Pain in arthritis suddenly occurs against the background of relative health with osteoarthritis.It gradually increases when dystrophic changes in the cartilage are present - from a few months to several years;
- Arthritis disturbs painfully at night and morning, decreases after the joint development, on the contrary, arthrosis pain after rest and are significantly increased in the move (it is constantly available in the last stage).
- Arthritis is always accompanied by an inflammatory process with swelling, redness, hyperemia, local temperature rise, osteoarthritis, such a course is only characteristic in times of exacerbations.
- Arthritis is systematic and at the same time affects the left and right joints of the legs or arms as well as the heart, the light, skin, vessels and the nervous system.The arthroselseion usually does not go beyond a pathological joint.
- The appearance is distinguished in the early stages - the inflammation of the tissue is clearly visible in arthritis, the place is swollen and gets hot, with osteoarthritis there are no visual changes, and only in advanced cases of both diseases manifests the joint deformation.
- General fountain with arthritis worsens - the temperature increases, there is weakness, discomfort, the appetite disappears, the weight is reduced (this sign may not be available in chronic form).Such symptoms do not disturb patients with osteoarthritis, only a painful and poorly functioning joint is in the spotlight.

The clinical image can vary considerably in different stages of the disease.It is possible to make a precise diagnosis only after a complete examination.
Differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis and arthritis
At the first sign of joint disease, it is necessary to register for a consultation with a doctor.An arthrologist is committed to the pathologies that know exactly how to capture arthritis and arthrosis and what their difference is.If there is no such specialists in the clinic, you can visit an orthopedist, a traumatologist, osteopath, rheumatologist, surgeon.In arthritis, an additional consultation of a specialist, immunologist, neuropathologist, endocrinologist and cardiologist is infectious, cardiologist, depending on the etiology of the disease.
Based on the confrontation and the initial diagnosis, it is difficult to make a precise diagnosis.
A number of instrumental research are required:
- Radiography for determining the state of the joints, detection of injuries, neoplasms;
- CT and MRI not only common cavities for detailed consideration, but also from soft tissues;
- Ultrasound - is carried out when there are contraindications to X -Ray and tomography.
All of these methods are quite informative and applicable to both pathologies.

If arthritis is suspected, you cannot do without laboratory tests that enable you to identify the basic cause of the disease and to determine the general condition of the body:
- Blood tests for the level of leukocytes, ESR, specific markers;
- Urine analysis for uric acid salts;
- Rheumatic tests for recognizing a rheumatoid factor;
- Immunological test to evaluate the condition of the body's immune defense;
- PCR diagnostics on the infection factory;
- Arthroscopy for synovial fluid fence for analysis.
A number of methods are selected individually on the basis of a clinical image and a preliminary inspection of a specialist.A complete examination does not take much time, but it is very important to set a differential diagnosis and prescribe suitable treatment.
The difference and characteristics in the treatment of every disease
Both symptoms include special therapy without the arthritis passed in chronic form, and osteoarthritis removes the performance.
The general treatment principles are similar, but the tasks are different:
- In arthritis, the main goal is to relieve inflammation, to eliminate painful symptoms, to avoid complications for other organs.
- In the case of osteoarthritis, the focus of the inability is to heal the disease completely, the relief of pain and the termination of dystrophic processes in the cartilage.
The complex of medical measures necessarily includes medicines in the form of tablets, ointments, creams, solutions, powder, injections.People's recipes, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises are used as auxiliary methods.In advanced cases, you cannot do without surgical intervention.
The therapy is carefully selected according to individual indications.There is no universal medicine for arthritis and osteoarthritis, self -mediation is prohibited.
Arthritis and arthrosis - what is the difference in drug treatment
Pharmacy medication are an essential part of the treatment of both diseases.Due to a strong inflammatory process, you cannot make do with arthritis.They are used in therapy:
- Anti -inflammatory non -steroid medication in the form of tablets, powders, ointments.Medicines of this group simply stop inflammation and accompanying unpleasant symptoms.
- Immunosuppressors.Suppress your own immunity with autoimmune origin.
- Corticosteroid hormones.Choose severe pain with a tablet shape or intra -karticular injections.
- Antibiotics.You have an antibacterial effect in the presence of an infectious process in the body and in the joint.
NSAIDS and corticosteroids are effective during the period of exacerbation of arthrosis when inflammation and severe pain are bound to the pathological process.In addition, the disease includes the use of:
- Chondroprotectors to restore cartilage tissue and stop the destruction of the joint.In the long term, powder is used to receive orally injections, injections intramuscular and intra -articular.
- Oral painkillers.
- Vasodilate formation for improving blood flow.
- Musorelaxants from hypertension and muscles.
- Vitamin complexes to improve metabolic processes and to prevent systemic complications.
Chondroprotective and vitamin agents are also indicated in some forms of arthritis, especially in chronic form.
The correct therapy is selected in accordance with the results of the examination, whereby the age and the patient's borehole are taken into account.
Ointment from arthritis and arthrosis
Symptomatic therapy is equally necessary for arthritis and osteoarthritis of the joints.Various creams, ointments, gels work on site and eliminate inflammation, pain, swelling, complaints.In addition, they have no systemic influence on the body.
Can relieve the condition:
- anti -inflammatory ointment based on a special substance;
- other non -steroidal anti -inflammatory medication;
- Pain reliever and warming;
- Local medication that improve the blood flow and elasticity of the muscle league apparatus based on snake and beeergift;
- Ointments with sharks, activating metabolic and regeneration methods in the joints;
- Grate with analgesic and anti -inflammatory properties.
Local funds rarely cause side effects, but do not forget the possibility of a skin of allergic reaction.

Traditional medicine
People's methods are a good assistant in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis.Home recipes based on natural components have a predominantly symptomatic effect that is used as an additional tool.
You can do this with arthritic inflammation of the joints:
- Night compresses of burdock leaves, white cabbage, aloe, washed in advance and slightly bowed to pull off juice;
- Warm baths of pine needles, steam joints in a healing decoction;
- Grinding of an affected place made of egg yolk, spoonful of apple cider vinegar and noises of turpentine;
- A herbal decoction of Sage, St. John's Wurt and Braids, which bride 2 tablespoons of the collection in a half -boiling water with boiling water and lasts 0.5 cups before meals.
The disease of the disease with osteoarthritis helps:
- a compress from the root of the ginger, grated on the grated and tied on a painful joint to stimulate blood circulation and a warming effect;
- Rubika for the night of 50 g honey and 1 teaspoon.Healing mom;
- Pepper patches or mustard compress as a thermal process;
- Baths based on a decoction of mint leaves or soda salt solution.
All recipes can be used for both diseases, but only after advice with the treating doctor.Home treatment can be helpful, which eliminates unpleasant sensations and damage, which leads to allergic reaction and deterioration.
Exercises for arthritis and arthrosis
The purpose of therapeutic gymnastics is to restore the common mobility and prevent changes in deformation.

In the same way, this task is important for all articular pathologies:
- For the hip area - squats in the right angle, the legs swing forward and backwards, train in the laying of "bicycle" and "scissors";
- For the knees - sit on your heels from the position on your knees and climb, the "bicycle" exercise - standing circular movements of the knee with closed legs, and slowly move with a "goose".
- For the ankle - to massage all one finger separately, clockwise and to stretch your foot and against yourself and yourself.
- For brushes and fingers - make circular movements with a brush in different directions, press the fist and turn a round object into your hands.
- For the shoulder girdle - to turn back and forth forward, raise your arms and shoulders alternately.
All exercises can only be carried out by solving a doctor during the disease.
Auxiliary therapy techniques
The joint treatment is not only limited to medical and folk methods.It is important to carry out comprehensive therapy, especially at the stage of rehabilitation after an acute time and the restoration of common mobility.
Experts recommend:
- Massage to reduce pain and develop the affected joint (point, honey, manual technology);
- Physiotherapeutic methods to improve cell metabolism, to accelerate the regeneration of tissue, to prevent complications (magnetic therapy, ultrasound, electrophoresis, paraffinopia);
- Alternative medicine (hirudotherapy, acupuncture, kinesidaypy);
- correct nutrition (nutrition) with a prevail of fruit and vegetables, rejection of harmful food and alcohol;
- Sanatorium resort treatment with a complete complex of therapeutic services.
In advanced cases, and this often happens in osteoarthritis, you have to use radical surgical methods.Sinectomy, arthroplasty, endoprosthetics and arthrodesis helps the joints to return the joints.Before this state, the course of the disease is to be better admitted and all medical recipes must be carried out.
Diploma
We offer short forms about diseases osteoarthritis and arthritis, what is the difference in all important criteria:
criterion | arthritis | Arthrosis |
etiology | Inflammatory disease, mostly acute form | Degenerative-dystrophic, exclusively chronic course |
Reasons | Infections, autoimmune and metabolic disorders | Age -related changes in the musculoskeletal system, omritis underlaid |
Injuries, hormonal failures, large corners, sitting and unhealthy lifestyle, chronic pathologies | ||
Symptoms | Sudden appearance, pronounced, there is a general malaise | Gradual growth, symptoms are locally |
Pain, crunch, stiffness, stiffness when walking, external deformation (in the last stage) | ||
Diagnosis | Laboratory tests of blood and urine | - - |
X -Ray, CT, MRI | ||
Treatment | NSAIDS, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, antibiotics | Chondroprotectors, analgesics, muscle relaxants, hormones, vitamins |
forecast | In most cases rarely a complete recovery - the transition to a chronic form | The gradual destruction of the joints, followed by a loss of mobility, disability, the need for surgery |