Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by arthritis, an inflammatory process in the joint tissues. Osteoarthritis involves the destruction and deformation of a certain area. Both syndromes affect the patient's quality of life and require timely diagnosis 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 severe course;
- incorrect concentration of hormones in the body;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- intense physical activity, excessive effort;
- 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. That is, these diseases most often occur in pairs, but can also occur separately as independent diseases. You just need to keep in mind that if arthrosis 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 limbs;
- weakened immunity, the body cannot cope with irritants from the external environment;
- interruption of the functioning of internal systems.
Variety
There are several possible types of arthritis when cartilage is affected:
- reactive, progresses if infected by a pathogenic microorganism. It is found more often 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 limbs;
- crystalline, progresses with altered metabolism. Characterized by a high concentration of salts in the body;
- psoriatic form, increases the risk of skin diseases. 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. Most often diagnosed in large joint tissues.
What can it be confused with?
Symptoms of arthritis resemble lupus, Raynaud's disease, and fibromyalgia. It is expressed in chronic fatigue, high temperature, limited movement and painful sensations.
How to get rid of arthritis symptoms with osteoarthritis
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 the diet;
- do physical exercise every day;
- walk outdoors more often;
- check the pressure level 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 arthrosis
Before starting treatment, a diagnosis is necessary. Doctors will carry out an external examination of the patient, interview him and prescribe blood and urine tests. If necessary, arthrography, radiography, MRI and CT are used. Based on the information received, the patient is assigned a course of treatment.
Pharmacological treatment
It is possible to eliminate symptoms in the early stages of the disease with the help of medications. The patient is prescribed a complex of drugs to achieve greater effectiveness:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the patient of pain;
- chondroprotectors accelerate the restoration of cartilage;
- muscle relaxants eliminate spasms and discomfort.
Surgery
In more serious 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 installed or the synovial membrane removed.
Conservative therapy
Along with medications, the patient is prescribed massages, 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.