Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by arthritis, an inflammatory process in joint tissues. Arthrosis refers to the destruction and deformation of a certain area. Both syndromes affect the patient's quality of life and require timely detection and treatment.
Reasons
Degenerative diseases of joint tissues develop more often after physical exertion or aging of the body. Osteoarthritis and arthritis have several common causes:
- hereditary predisposition;
- infectious diseases with severe course;
- incorrect concentration of hormones in the body;
- autoimmune diseases;
- intense physical activity, excessive workload;
- joint damage;
- Congenital anomalies in the development of joint tissue;
- complication after surgical treatment;
- alcohol abuse;
- hypothermia of the body;
- Frequent stressful situations.
A quote from a specialist
Over time, arthrosis can lead to arthritis. And arthritis causes arthrosis. That is, these diseases most often come in pairs, but can appear separately as independent diseases. You just have to keep in mind that if arthrosis is not treated, arthritis will appear.
What does arthritis mean in arthrosis?
The inflammatory process is often manifested when the cartilage is destroyed. This may indicate the following problems in the body:
- An infectious focus with arthrosis, damage to the circulatory system and organs of the gastrointestinal tract is possible. This causes an inflammatory process in the joint;
- Weakening of muscle and bone tissue. The patient has progressive instability of the upper and lower limbs;
- Weakened immunity, the body cannot cope with irritants from the external environment;
- Violation of the functioning of internal systems.
Varieties
There are several possible types of arthritis when cartilage is damaged:
- Reactive, progresses when infected with pathogenic microorganisms. It occurs more often in people suffering from chronic diseases;
- Rheumatoid arthritis refers to the spread of the inflammatory process in the connective tissues, which leads to limitation of the mobility of the upper and lower limbs;
- Crystalline, progresses with metabolic disorders. characterized by a high concentration of salts in the body;
- In psoriatic form, the risk of skin diseases increases. Arthritis is accompanied by edema, swelling in different parts of the body;
- Infectious progression occurs against the background of various infections of acute or chronic nature. It is more often diagnosed in large articular tissues.
What can it be confused with?
Arthritis symptoms are similar to lupus, Raynaud's disease, and fibromyalgia. Expressed during chronic fatigue, elevated temperature, limited movement and painful sensations.
How to get rid of arthritis symptoms with arthrosis
To alleviate the symptoms of the inflammatory process and improve your well-being, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- stop drinking alcohol, drugs, smoking;
- Avoid stressful situations;
- normalization of diet;
- exercise daily;
- walk in the fresh air more often;
- control blood pressure level;
- stiffen in the morning;
- Avoid passive smoking.
When and which doctor should I contact?
An arthrologist treats the inflammatory process in joint tissues. If the patient does not have the opportunity to consult a specialist of this profile, it is recommended to make an appointment with an orthopedist or a traumatologist. You should seek help when you notice the first symptoms of the disease.
Treatment of arthritis with arthrosis
Diagnosis is required before treatment. Doctors will conduct an external examination of the patient, interview and prescribe blood and urine analysis. If necessary, arthrography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and CT are used. Based on the received information, the patient is given a course of treatment.
Drug treatment
In the early stages of the disease, it is possible to get rid of the symptoms with the help of medicines. To achieve greater effectiveness, the patient is prescribed a complex of medicines:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the patient from pain;
- Chondroprotectors accelerate cartilage recovery;
- Muscle relaxants eliminate spasms and discomfort.
surgery
In severe cases, in the presence of complications or at the last stage of the disease, surgical treatment is prescribed. The patient either has the damaged joint tissue removed and an implant installed, or the synovial membrane is excised.
conservative therapy
Along with medicines, massage procedures are prescribed to the patient, a course of physical education is prescribed, and the diet is regulated. Therapeutic baths help relieve pain. Physiotherapy prevents the development of the inflammatory process and accelerates the recovery of the affected joint tissue.