Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by arthritis, an inflammatory process in joint tissues. Osteoarthritis involves the destruction and deformation of a certain area. Both syndromes affect the patient's quality of life and require early detection and treatment.
Causes
More often, degenerative diseases of joint tissues develop 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, excessive exertion;
- joint damage;
- congenital anomalies in the development of joint tissue;
- complication after surgical treatment;
- Alcohol abuse;
- hypothermia of the body;
- frequent stressful situations.
Appointment from a specialist
Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to arthritis. And arthritis leads to osteoarthritis. That is, these diseases usually occur in pairs, but they can also occur separately as independent diseases. You just have to keep in mind that if osteoarthritis is not treated, arthritis will appear.
What does arthritis mean in osteoarthritis?
The inflammatory process is often detected when 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 presents progressive instability of the upper and lower extremities;
- weakened immunity, the body cannot cope with irritants from the external environment;
- interruption of the operation of internal systems.
Varieties
There are several possible types of arthritis when cartilage is affected:
- reactive, progresses when infected with a pathogenic microorganism. It is most often found in people who suffer from chronic diseases;
- rheumatoid arthritis involves the spread of the inflammatory process to the connective tissues, causing restrictions in the mobility of the upper and lower extremities;
- crystalline, progresses with altered metabolism. Characterized by a high concentration of salts in the body;
- In the psoriatic form, the risk of skin diseases increases. Arthritis is accompanied by swelling, swelling in various parts of the body;
- The infection progresses against the background of various infections of an acute or chronic nature. More often it is diagnosed in large joint tissues.
What can be confused with
The symptoms of arthritis resemble lupus, Raynaud's disease, and fibromyalgia. It is expressed in chronic fatigue, elevated temperature, limited movements 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, smoking;
- avoid stressful situations;
- normalize your diet;
- exercise daily;
- walk outdoors more often;
- 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 the joint tissues. If the patient does not have the opportunity to consult a specialist in 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.
Before starting treatment, a diagnosis is required. Doctors will conduct an external examination of the patient, interview him, and prescribe blood and urine tests. If necessary, arthrography, x-ray, MRI and CT are used. Based on the information received, the patient receives a course of treatment.
Pharmacotherapy
It is possible to get rid of symptoms in the early stages of the disease with the help of medications. The patient is prescribed a complex of medications to achieve greater effectiveness:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the patient's pain;
- chondroprotectors accelerate cartilage restoration;
- Muscle relaxants eliminate spasms and discomfort.
Surgery
In severe cases, in the presence of complications or in the final stages of the disease, surgical treatment is prescribed. The patient has the affected joint tissue removed and an implant placed, or the synovial membrane is removed.
Conservative therapy
Along with medications, the patient is prescribed massage treatments, a physical education course 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.