Osteoarthritis is often accompanied by arthritis, an inflammatory process in the joint tissues. Osteoarthritis involves destruction and deformation of a certain area. Both syndromes affect the patient's quality of life and require timely 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;
- severe infectious diseases;
- incorrect concentration of hormones in the body;
- autoimmune diseases;
- intense physical activity, excessive exertion;
- joint damage;
- congenital anomalies in the development of articular tissue;
- complication after surgical treatment;
- alcohol abuse;
- hypothermia of the body;
- frequent stressful situations.
Quote from an expert
Over time, osteoarthritis can cause arthritis. And arthritis leads to osteoarthritis. That is, these diseases usually occur in pairs, but they can also occur separately as independent diseases. Just take into account 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:
- 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;
- disruption of the functioning of internal systems.
Varieties
There are several possible types of arthritis when cartilage is affected:
- reactive, progresses when infected by a pathogenic microorganism. Most often found in people suffering from chronic illnesses;
- 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 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 an acute or chronic nature. Most often diagnosed in large joint tissues.
What can be confused with
Arthritis symptoms resemble lupus, Raynaud's disease, and fibromyalgia. It is expressed in chronic fatigue, high temperature, limited movements 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 your diet;
- Daily exercise;
- walk outdoors more often;
- control the level of pressure in blood vessels;
- harden in the morning;
- avoid secondhand smoke.
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 conduct an external examination of the patient, interview him and prescribe blood and urine tests. If necessary, arthrography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are used. Based on the information received, the patient receives treatment.
Drug treatment
It is possible to eliminate symptoms in the early stages of the disease with the help of medications. The patient receives a complex of medications to achieve greater effectiveness:
- nonsteroidal 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 stage of the disease, surgical treatment is prescribed. The patient has the affected joint tissue removed and an implant is installed or the synovial membrane is excised.
Conservative therapy
Along with medications, the patient is prescribed massage treatments, a course of physical education is prescribed and the diet is adjusted. Therapeutic baths help to relieve pain. Physiotherapy prevents the development of the inflammatory process and accelerates the restoration of affected joint tissue.