Causes and risk factors in arthritis and osteoarthritis
Arthritis can occur at any time in life, although it most often appears between the ages of 20 and 40, while osteoarthritis affects people between 40 and 60 years of age. Both have a higher prevalence in women than in men.
As for the causes, arthritis can be due to infections caused by germs, trauma, autoimmune diseases (as in the case of RA) or other ailments such as gout.
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is associated with aging and joint wear and tear that occurs with age, although there are other factors such as overweight and obesity, or overexertion of the joints (as common in elite athletes as in some studies). with repetitive movements) that can also cause it.
Treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis
Arthritis treatment consists of an anti-inflammatory regimen to reduce swelling (always, under medical prescription). In case of infectious arthritis, antibiotics are used, while in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, antirheumatic drugs are prescribed.
As we have mentioned before, osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative and irreversible disease, so it cannot be stopped or cured. Yes, we can perform a conservative treatment aimed at relieving symptoms, increasing mobility and functionality of the joint and improving our quality of life. To do this, our doctor will probably prescribe analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication and maintain a healthy weight, since overweight and obesity aggravate pain because they overload the joints. In certain types of osteoarthritis, the use of solutions that allow the joint to rest may also be indicated, as in the case of rhizarthrosis (thumb osteoarthritis) with wrist braces or gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) withkneepads.
Likewise, it will also be essential to carry out physical exercise appropriate to our age and to the affected joint since, although it is true that the pain improves with rest, prolonged inactivity is counterproductive and can cause muscle atrophy. Thus, to take care of our joints without subjecting them to too much stress, we can do low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming.
As a conclusion, in this article we have analyzed in depth the differences between two ailments that are often confused and that, despite having similarities, are different. Arthritis is an inflammation that affects the synovial membrane, a firm and elastic tissue that lines the inside of the joints, while osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that consists of the degeneration of the cartilage that covers the bony surfaces of the joint. Both ailments affect one or more joints, are more prevalent in women than in men and present similar symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and swelling of some joints, although the location and causes for which they occur are different. Regarding treatment, while the arthritis can remit and be treated with anti-rheumatic medication, Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease and only conservative treatment based on anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication can be followed to relieve symptoms. We hope that this article has been helpful to you and now it is clearer what each disease consists of, as well as knowing what to do if you suffer from one of the two.
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Vadodara
Arthritis and osteoarthritis: know the differences
