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 rapid detection and treatment.
Causes
Most 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, overwork;
- joint damage;
- congenital anomalies in the development of joint tissues;
- 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 osteoarthritis is not treated, arthritis will appear.
What does arthritis mean in osteoarthritis?
The inflammatory process is often detected when the cartilage is destroyed. This may indicate the following problems in the body:
- an infectious focus with osteoarthritis, 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 with progressive instability of the upper and lower limbs;
- weakened immunity, the body cannot cope with irritants of the external environment;
- disruption of the functioning of internal systems.
Varieties
There are several types of arthritis possible when the cartilage is affected:
- reactive, progresses when infected with a pathogenic microorganism. It is more often found in people with chronic illnesses;
- rheumatoid arthritis involves the spread of the inflammatory process to the connective tissues, leading to restrictions in the mobility of the upper and lower limbs;
- crystalline, progresses with impaired metabolism. Characterized by a high concentration of salts in the body;
- 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 acute or chronic nature. More often diagnosed in large joint tissues.
With what can we confuse
Symptoms of arthritis resemble lupus, Raynaud's disease and fibromyalgia. It is expressed by chronic fatigue, high temperature, limited movements and painful sensations.
How to get rid of the symptoms of arthritis associated 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;
- daily exercise;
- walk more often in the fresh air;
- control the level of pressure in the blood vessels;
- harden yourself in the morning;
- avoid passive smoking.
When and which doctor to contact
An arthrologist treats the inflammatory process of joint tissues. If the patient does not have the opportunity to consult a specialist of this profile, it is recommended to make an appointment with an orthopedist or traumatologist. You should seek help as soon as you notice the first symptoms of the disease.
Treatment of arthritis with osteoarthritis
Before starting treatment, a diagnosis is necessary. Doctors will conduct an external examination of the patient, interview him and prescribe blood and urine tests. If necessary, arthrography, x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are used. Based on the information received, the patient receives treatment.
Medical treatment
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 drugs to achieve greater effectiveness:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the patient of pain;
- chondroprotectors accelerate the restoration of cartilage;
- muscle relaxers eliminate spasms and discomfort.
Surgery
In severe cases, in the presence of complications or in the later stages of the disease, surgical treatment is prescribed. The patient either has the affected joint tissue removed and an implant installed, or the synovial membrane is excised.
Conservative therapy
In addition to medication, the patient is prescribed massage, a physical education class and a suitable diet. Therapeutic baths help relieve pain. Physiotherapy prevents the development of the inflammatory process and accelerates the restoration of the affected joint tissue.