What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Although osteoarthritis and arthritis are two distinct conditions, both arise from inflammation of the joints. In all situations, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and preserve or improve flexibility. This can be achieved with the use of various specialized rehabilitation techniques under medical supervision.
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Is arthritis the same as osteoarthritis?
All forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis and gout, are collectively referred to as arthritis.
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is characterized by wear and tear of the joints.
It occurs when the cartilage in the spaces between the bones deteriorates, making the joints swollen, uncomfortable and difficult to move.
Although osteoarthritis can affect anyone at any age, it is more common in women and in those over 50 years of age.
The lower back, neck, hands, knees and hips are the most frequently affected areas.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting inflammatory disease that can cause severe joint swelling and deformity. It differs from other forms of arthritis in that it affects not only the joints, but also other parts of the body.
What is arthritis?
There are more than 100 different varieties of arthritis so it is not a single disease.
Arthritis is not just a disease but a word that encompasses more than 100 types of arthritis.
Swelling, discomfort, stiffness and decreased range of motion. joint pain are typical signs of arthritis. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can also come and go. While some symptoms may remain essentially the same for years, others may progress and deteriorate.
Although not is not an age-related is not an age-related diseaseSome varieties of arthritis affect older people more frequently than younger people. The women are more likely to suffer from it than men.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage of the joints degrades over time; first it becomes fragile and delicate, then it becomes thinner and finally disappears, exposing the bone.
As the cartilage wears away, the bone thickens and increases its support base.
The main locations where it occurs are usually in the spine, knee, shoulder, fingers and hip.
What are the main differences between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
- The main difference is that arthritis is the word that encompasses all forms of arthritis, so osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis, which is the main distinction between these diseases.
- Arthritis is an inflammatory disease while osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder of non-inflammatory origin, which does not mean that it produces inflammation due to the lesions caused and the process of joint wear and tear itself.
- Another difference is that arthritis affects one or more joints throughout the body, whereas osteoarthritis most often manifests itself in the hip, knee and hand joints, but also, to a lesser extent, in the feet and spine.
- Osteoarthritis specifically damages various tissues that make up the joint, such as cartilage, bone and soft tissues .
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder and is related to aging, when you have a rough, uneven and worn cartilage, the main symptoms are discomfort, pain and causes a decrease in joint mobility . This directly affects the mobility and autonomy of the person who suffers from it with the psychological wear and tear that this entails. The most common task can become a major obstacle to face due to the limitations associated with the pathology.
- In addition, osteoarthritis is linked to other co-morbidities such as hypertension, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, among others.
- Arthritis , on the other hand, affects the joints of the body in a more general and non-specific way, which is increasingly frequent as we age due to the wear and tear of the joints, so its main symptoms are pain, swelling and heat in the place where it occurs.
Can I have osteoarthritis and arthritis at the same time?
The important thing to remember is that osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the joints over the years (for example, the muscular overload to which professional soccer players are exposed during their careers and whose knee joint suffers in such a way that it can lead to future osteoarthritis) and with frequent manifestation in specific joints, as mentioned above.
Arthritis, on the other hand, is a disorder of inflammatory origin, with more nonspecific and widespread manifestations in a greater number of joints in the body.
Although it is true that the simultaneous manifestation of both pathologies is not frequent and, if they do occur, it is difficult to obtain a diagnosis that delimits one from the other, they can occur together.
What is the ideal treatment for osteoarthritis and arthritis?
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis and arthritis have no known cure, but these diseases can be controlled.
Medication to relieve pain, manual therapy to improve function, extend range of motion and reduce discomfort with the use of heat or cold creams, maintaining a healthy weight are the best forms of treatment .
In addition, you can see a physical therapist who can show you exercises to improve your flexibility and the muscles surrounding the joint.
- Recommendation:
- Any activity you do should be safe, frequent and gentle to avoid further stress on your joints.
- For people with arthritis and osteoarthritis, swimming and walking are advantageous.
- Occupational therapy can also help control inflammation and slow any deterioration.
Physical therapy alone may not be effective for many arthritic conditions. In some situations, surgery is necessary, with physical therapy being the form of postoperative care. The most typical arthritic operations are:
- Joint reconstruction by arthroplasty
- Total joint replacement
Written by:
Dr. Elena Gallardo Morillo PhD
Medical Director at Pentalium Pharma and Doctor in Central Nervous System and Inflammation.
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