Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by arthritis, an inflammatory process in joint tissue. Osteoarthritis involves the destruction and deformation of a specific area. Both syndromes affect the patient's quality of life and require timely detection and treatment.
causes
Degenerative diseases of joint tissue develop more often after physical exertion or as the body ages. Osteoarthritis and arthritis have several common causes:
- hereditary predisposition;
- Infectious diseases with a severe course;
- incorrect concentration of hormones in the body;
- autoimmune diseases;
- intense physical activity, overexertion;
- joint damage;
- congenital anomalies in the development of joint tissue;
- Complication after surgical treatment;
- alcohol abuse;
- hypothermia of the body;
- frequent stressful situations.
Quote from a specialist
Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to arthritis. And arthritis leads to osteoarthritis. This means that these diseases usually occur in pairs, but can also occur individually as independent diseases. You just need to keep in mind that arthritis occurs when osteoarthritis is not treated.
What does arthritis mean in osteoarthritis?
The inflammatory process is often recognized when cartilage is destroyed. This may indicate the following problems in the body:
- Focus of infection with arthrosis, damage to the circulatory system and the organs of the gastrointestinal tract is possible. This leads to an inflammatory process in the joint;
- Weakening of muscle and bone tissue. The patient suffers from progressive instability of the upper and lower extremities;
- weakened immunity, the body cannot cope with irritants from the external environment;
- Disruption to the functioning of internal systems.
sorts
There are different types of arthritis in which the cartilage is affected:
- reactive, progresses when infected with a pathogenic microorganism. More common in people suffering from chronic illnesses;
- In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammatory process spreads to the connective tissue and leads to restrictions in the mobility of the upper and lower extremities.
- crystalline, progresses with impaired metabolism. Characterized by a high concentration of salt in the body;
- Psoriasis form increases the risk of skin diseases. Arthritis is accompanied by swelling and swelling in various parts of the body;
- infectious progress against the background of various infections of an acute or chronic nature. More commonly diagnosed in large joint tissues.
What can be confused with
Symptoms of arthritis are similar to lupus, Raynaud's disease and fibromyalgia. It is manifested by chronic fatigue, increased temperature, limited movement and painful sensations.
How to get rid of arthritis symptoms with osteoarthritis
To relieve the symptoms of the inflammatory process and improve your well-being, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- Stop drinking alcohol, drugs and smoking;
- avoid stressful situations;
- normalize your diet;
- exercise daily;
- Get some fresh air more often.
- control the pressure in the blood vessels;
- harden in the morning;
- Avoid passive smoking.
When and which doctor you should contact
An arthrologist treats the inflammatory process in the joint tissue. If the patient does not have the opportunity to see a specialist of this profile, it is recommended to make an appointment with an orthopedist or traumatologist. You should seek help when you notice the first symptoms of the disease.
Treatment of arthritis with osteoarthritis
A diagnosis is required before starting treatment. Doctors conduct an external examination of the patient, question him and prescribe blood and urine tests. If necessary, arthrography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and CT are used. Based on the information received, the patient receives treatment.
Medication
With the help of medication it is possible to eliminate the symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The patient is prescribed a complex of drugs to achieve greater effectiveness:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the patient's pain;
- Chondroprotectors accelerate cartilage restoration;
- Muscle relaxants eliminate cramps and discomfort.
surgery
In severe cases, complications or in the final stages of the disease, surgical treatment is prescribed. The patient either has the affected joint tissue removed and an implant inserted, or the inner lining of the joint is cut out.
Conservative therapy
In addition to medications, the patient is prescribed massage treatments, physical education classes are prescribed, and the diet is adjusted. Healing baths help relieve pain. Physiotherapy prevents the development of the inflammatory process and accelerates the recovery of the affected joint tissue.