When our joints ache, whether in a localised region or in general, there is always someone around us who assures us that it is arthritis or osteoarthritis. If we allow ourselves to be guided by these diagnoses based on popular knowledge, we could come to believe that osteoarthritis and arthritis are the same thing, because after all it is all about joint pain, isn't it?
What is certain is that understand the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis is to know both the causes and the treatment, including the symptoms and how to diagnose them. Knowing what we suffer from is essential in order to use the necessary treatments in crises and to know what lifestyle habits are best for each individual.
How do I know if I have arthritis or osteoarthritis? The best thing to do is to go to your doctor. If you are in Calahonda, Mijas, at El Campanario clinic we will be happy to help you. Even so, we have made a comparison of arthritis vs. osteoarthritis so that, at least, you know what to avoid in each case.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a inflammatory process affecting the synovial bursa of the joints and is usually caused by autoimmune diseases. It can also be a symptom of some diseases such as episodes of rheumatic fever.
In arthritis, it is not uncommon to see joints so swollen that they can be seen with the naked eye, without the need for an MRI.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a a degenerative process that affects the cartilage and causes pain with stiffness of movement. In advanced stages, mobility is limited by the presence of physical barriers (e.g., physical barriers to mobility).osteophytes).
Osteoarthritis can be caused by ageing or by repeated use of certain joint groups. It is also common that, after a major accident, the affected joints begin the osteoarthritis process a few years earlier than the others. This is why we find patients with osteoarthritis only in an ankle, or in a specific region of the spine, whereas arthritis is often less selective.
What are the differences between osteoarthritis and arthritis?
We are going to make a short list, to make it easier to memorise if needed.
Causes
- In arthritis there is damage to the synovial sacs, whereas in osteoarthritis the cartilage is the first to be affected.
- Arthritis is caused by autoimmune processes or may be a symptom associated with certain infections, while osteoarthritis is caused by natural wear and tear or accumulated damage from trauma to a particular region.
Diagnostics
- Osteoarthritis is mainly diagnosed by examination. An MRI will help to determine the state of the joints when the osteoarthritis is not recent, although sometimes an X-ray is sufficient to estimate the deterioration of certain cartilages.
- In the case of arthritis, although an initial visual examination is always important, the definitive diagnosis comes from blood tests.
Difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis: symptoms
- Arthritis pain is continuousThe joints become red and warm. The pain of osteoarthritis improves with rest and worsens with movement and cold.
- Gentle mobilisation exercises help to reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.The anti-inflammatory painkillers are only used for acute episodes, when they can have a favourable effect. On the other hand, patients with arthritis may need daily medication The only way to regain joint mobility is by controlling inflammation and delaying the onset of deformities in certain compromised areas, such as the hands, but there are no special physiotherapy exercises.
How do I know if I have arthritis or osteoarthritis?
This checklist to remember the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis can help you know how to manage joint pain when you are at your worst. However, arthritis and osteoarthritis are not mutually exclusive diseases, and do not always have such distinct symptoms, so it is best to visit a medical centre such as the El Campanario Clinic where, after an initial consultation, we will request diagnostic tests and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
The arthritis and osteoarthritis are chronic ailments that progress as long as measures are not implemented, so it is not good to let time go by assuming that it will be one thing or another, without adequate treatment.