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Arthritis and arthritis: what are the similarities and differences between the diseases

What are the differences between rheumatic diseases?How to spot a problem early?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue, in which the patient is affected by small joints (elbows, knees, hands and feet) in an erosive-destructive manner.The result is bone erosion and subsequent deformity.Over time, the symptoms of the disease worsen and lead to a loss of ability to work.About 60 million people worldwide suffer from this disease.The disease is more common in women with an average age of 30 to 35 years.

joints affected by arthritis and gout

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the cartilage tissue of the ankle, knee, shoulder, hip and foot joints.The progressive form develops into osteoarthritis, which creates limitations in a person's motor activity.The disease can develop in two symmetrical joints at the same time.Sometimes in different, for example, knee and hip in the same limb.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a pressing problem of modern rheumatology.In addition to the joints, the disease spreads to the internal organs and muscles.The disease develops symmetrically in both arms or legs.The disease often leads to disability.

Rheumatism affects the connective tissue of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system, knee joints, elbows, ankles and the heart itself.Locally, the disease can affect a person's internal organs and systems.The disease needs timely treatment.If this is not done, fatal complications will occur.

Key differences

Patients come to the doctor complaining of joint discomfort, pain and limited mobility.The symptoms of gout and arthritis are similar, but there are distinctive differences.

Changes in arthritis:

  • the synovial membrane with fluid and the joint capsule become inflamed.
  • heat;
  • redness in the painful area.
  • two joints hurt at the same time.
  • There is no distortion of the joint.

Inflammation of the cartilage tissue is initiated by infection, injury or disturbance in the metabolic process.

Joint physiology:

  • changed joint;
  • cartilage tissue worn down with age.
  • inflammation, swelling and redness are not observed.
  • normal temperature;
  • Only one joint was affected.

Diseases cause discomfort to a person when performing simple actions: bending, bending, extending, lifting legs or arms.The patient has difficulty sitting in a chair or going down stairs.

Signs and symptoms

Diseases have common symptoms:

  • difficulty walking;
  • presence of pain in the inflamed area.
  • poor mobility of the problem area.

The usual way of life of a sick person is disturbed.Every morning, getting out of bed, you have to "scatter" to go to the kitchen, overcoming the pain.

Which is more dangerous?

Diseases bring a lot of pain and trouble to the patient.

Arthritis occurs due to an inflammatory process in the body.He is being treated.It is important to consult a specialist in time and not wait for bone erosion and other complications.

Arthritis is a "disease of the elderly" with changes inside the joint.The worn cartilage becomes thinner.The synovial fluid, which is a source of nutrition for the tissues, is not restored.The consequences of the disease are irreversible.A person's condition can be alleviated by a specialist who will make the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Diagnostics

It consists of carrying out various processes and activities.During the examination, the doctor asks the patient with arthritis for information about past infections and injuries.Determines the course of the disease and prescribes diagnostics:

  1. Blood test to detect uric acid.
  2. Ultrasound of the joint.
  3. X-ray of the affected area.
  4. CT.
  5. Arthroscopy.

The results show the clinical picture of the disease completely.

Step-by-step diagnosis of arthropathy:

  1. The doctor visually assesses the mobility of the joint.Are there ossified areas in the problem area or not and a cracking sound?What is the condition of the muscles around the painful joint?
  2. Bone growths and joint deformity can be seen using an X-ray.
  3. Synovial fluid analysis and histology.
  4. Complete blood test.

Physical therapy

I would like to note that exercise and swimming help effectively in the prevention and treatment of arthropathy.Physical activity aims to restore joint mobility.The increase in blood flow to the affected area stimulates the cleansing and restoration of the joint tissue.

We must not forget the limitations of physical therapy:

  1. It is carried out during the period of remission in the absence of severe pain.
  2. In old age, the existing bouquet of diseases or the severe deterioration of the joint do not allow physical exercise.
  3. Overweight patients are allowed to do limited exercise without severe strain.
  4. The effect of exercise therapy consists of regular exercises alternating with periods of rest for the joint.

Rheumatic diseases are treated by rheumatologists and orthopedic traumatologists.Early diagnosis and proper treatment will allow you to live without complications.A patient who seeks help in time will have the opportunity to continue to exist normally.With arthropathy, this is a relief of the condition, stopping the progression of the disease.And most importantly, don't become disabled.