Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by arthritis, an inflammatory process in the tissues of the joints. Arthrosis involves the destruction and deformation of a certain area. Both syndromes affect the patient's quality of life and require timely detection and treatment.
Causes
More often, degenerative joint tissue diseases develop after physical exertion or with the aging of the body. Osteoarthritis and arthritis have several common causes:
- hereditary predisposition;
- infectious diseases with a severe course;
- irregular concentration of hormones in the body;
- autoimmune diseases;
- intense physical activity, overexertion;
- joint damage;
- congenital abnormalities in the development of joint tissue;
- complication after surgical treatment;
- alcohol abuse;
- hypothermia of the body;
- frequent stressful situations.
Expert quote
Over time, arthrosis can lead to arthritis. And arthritis leads to arthrosis. That is, these diseases most often come in pairs, but they can also occur separately as independent diseases. You just need to take into account that if arthrosis is not treated, arthritis will appear.
What does arthritis mean in arthrosis?
The inflammatory process is often detected 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 extremities;
- weakened immunity, the body cannot cope with irritants from the external environment;
- dysfunction of internal systems.
Varieties
There are several possible types of arthritis when cartilage is affected:
- reactive, thrives when infected with a pathogenic microorganism. It is more often found in people suffering from chronic diseases;
- rheumatoid arthritis involves the spread of the inflammatory process to the connective tissues, causing limitations in the mobility of the upper and lower extremities;
- crystalline, progresses with disturbed metabolism. It is characterized by a high concentration of salt in the body;
- psoriatic form, the risk of skin diseases increases. Arthritis is accompanied by swelling, swelling in different parts of the body;
- it progresses infectiously against the background of various infections of an acute or chronic nature. It is more often diagnosed in large joint tissues.
What can be confused with
Arthritis symptoms resemble lupus, Raynaud's disease, and fibromyalgia. It is expressed in chronic fatigue, elevated temperature, limited movement and painful sensations.
How to get rid of the symptoms of arthritis 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;
- normalize your diet;
- exercise daily;
- walk more often in the fresh air;
- control the level of pressure in the blood vessels;
- harden in the morning;
- avoid passive smoking.
When and which doctor to contact
An arthrologist treats the inflammatory process in joint tissues. If the patient does not have the opportunity to consult with a specialist of this profile, it is recommended to schedule an examination with an orthopedist or traumatologist. You should seek help when you notice the first symptoms of the disease.
Treatment of arthritis with arthrosis
A diagnosis is required before starting treatment. Doctors will perform an external examination of the patient, interview him and prescribe blood and urine tests. If necessary, arthrography, radiography, magnetic resonance and CT are used. Based on the received information, the patient is prescribed 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. The patient is prescribed a complex of drugs to achieve greater efficiency:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the patient from pain;
- chondroprotectors accelerate cartilage regeneration;
- muscle relaxants relieve spasms and discomfort.
Operation
In severe cases, in the presence of complications or in the final stage of the disease, surgical treatment is prescribed. The patient either has the affected joint tissue removed and an implant installed, or the synovial membrane is excised.
Conservative therapy
In addition to medication, the patient is prescribed massage treatments, a course of physical education is prescribed, and the diet is adjusted. Therapeutic baths help relieve pain. Physiotherapy prevents the development of the inflammatory process and accelerates the restoration of the affected joint tissue.