
There are many pathologies of the joints, they vary depending on the origin, mechanism of development, symptoms and methods of treatment.Most often, they are diagnosed, among others, arthritis and arthrosis.Diseases are similar, but they have some important differences.Differential diagnosis is required for the proper selection of therapy and timely prevention of severe complications.To prevent misunderstandings and confusion, you need to understand how arthrosis is different and what are both disorders.
What is arthritis and arthrosis, how they differ
Arthritis, arthrosis - two different diseases that affect the joints.Despite the consonance of the terms, this is not the same diagnosis and even more so that it is not synonymous.They have both common and different signs, so they should not be confused.
Arthrosis is a degenerative dystrophic pathology of the joint, which is characteristic of:
- Damage to cartilage tissue with the gradual involvement of the ligaments, muscles, synovial lining, bones in the destructive process;
- Non -inflammatory nature;
- chronic form of course;
- It develops locally without affecting the body as a whole.
Arthrosis is mainly found in adulthood, after 45 years, in women against the background of aging of the body, wear of the musculoskeletal system.Sometimes it occurs in younger due to significant physical exertion, severe injuries, adverse working conditions.According to the International Classifier, MKB-10, the M15-M19 code has been appointed.
Arthritis is a collective term that includes any joint disease:
- is inflammatory;
- It continues more frequent in acute form, becoming chronic;
- affects the bone tissue and the cavity of the joints;
- It is found as a systemic lesion, with the participation of several joints and targeted organs at a time in the pathological process.
Adults under 40, as well as children, are subject to arthritis.The disease is reversible, successfully treated with timely demand for medical attention.According to the classifier, ICD-10 has a code M00-14.
Arthritis and pathologies of arthrosis are often interconnected.Incomplete arthritis with age leads to dystrophic changes in cartilage.In turn, arthrosis during periods of exacerbation is accompanied by inflammation of the tissues.A joint disease is called arthrosa arthritis.

Diseases
Arthritis in the official medical classification is divided into species according to several criteria.Depending on the form, acute (severe inflammation, welcoming to complete treatment) and chronic (incurable pathology with exacerbations).According to the degree of joint damage, there is monoarthritis (in one joint), oligoarthritis (in 2-3 joints), polyarthritis (multiple inflammations).
The most popular arthritis classifier is considered to be originated:
- Rheumatoid - the root cause lies in genetic disorders of autoimmune nature;
- Infectious (septic) - the development of pathogenic microflora directly in the joint cavity;
- Reactive - secondary complication of respiratory, genital, intestinal infections;
- Traumatic (post -traumatic) - is formed due to mechanical damage to the bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments;
- exchange (gout) - a violation of metabolic processes in the body;
- Rheumatically - develops after a bacterial infection in the body.
Arthrosis is characterized by an extremely chronic form with damage to one joint compound.It mainly affects the mobile joints in the human body - legs (knee, ankle, leg), arms (shoulder, elbow), as well as the areas of the jaw and vertebrae.
Depending on the location, it is divided into:
- knee (gonarthrosis);
- hip joint (coxarthrosis);
- ankle;
- brachial;
- elbow;
- hands;
- toe;
- spine (spondylartrosis);
- cervical (Unkwertbral);
- Undo landing (VM).
Therapy depends to a large extent on the type of joint pathology, especially arthritis.
The difference in the causes of arthritis and arthrosis
Arthritis and arthrosis occur against the background of many adverse factors.The general provocateurs of both diseases are:
- genetic predisposition;
- injuries (bruising, dislocations, subluxation, stretching, fractures);
- congenital abnormalities in the development of the musculoskeletal system;
- metabolic and hormonal disorders;
- severe chronic diseases (rheumatism, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid problems);
- improper lifestyle (low activity, poor nutrition, overweight, bad habits);
- Significant physical and emotional stress.
The listed deviations adversely affect the body as a whole, which significantly increases the risk of joint disease.But there are more and obvious causes for each disease individually.
Of great importance in the development of arthritis game:

- Infections of viral, fungal, bacterial origin (influenza, salmonellosis, hepatitis, tonsillitis, intestinal infection, borrell, syphilis);
- autoimmune pathologies (psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, red lupus);
- Metabolic disorder (gout);
- Bone diseases (osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, osteochondrosis, osteoarthrosis);
- allergic reactions;
- low immunity;
- Surgical joint surgery.
The impulse for the onset of pathology can be banal hypothermia, bad sanitary conditions, an unbalanced diet.
What is the difference between arthrosis and arthritis?Degenerative changes in cartilage for arthrosis, in addition to the listed common causes, arise for reasons:
- Disorders related to the age of functionality of the musculoskeletal system;
- unused inflammatory process in the joints (arthritis, synovitis);
- Poor blood circulation (atherosclerosis, varicose veins);
- Professional activities (athletes).
Usually, joint pathology is the result of several internal and external adverse factors at once.

The difference between arthritis and arthrosis in symptoms
The symptoms of two diseases in general manifestations are quite similar.Inflammatory and non -extinguishing joint damage is characterized by:
- pain of varying intensity;
- feeling of stiffness and stiffness;
- crispy and creaking while walking;
- discomfort after prolonged rest;
- painful response to changes in time, physical activity;
- External deformation of the affected area.
At the same time, the nature and time of unpleasant sensations, the severity and intensity of the pathological process differ significantly.
By these signs you can find out what the disease is in front of you - arthritis, arthrosis, what is the difference between them:
- The pain for arthritis occurs suddenly against the background of relative health, with arthrosis increases gradually with the progress of dystrophic changes in cartilage - from several months to several years;
- Arthritis is painfully worried at night and morning hours, decreases after the development of the joints, pain in arthrosis, on the contrary, disappears at rest and increases significantly when movement (the last stage is constantly present);
- Arthritis is always accompanied by an inflammatory process with swelling, redness, hyperemia, local fever, for arthrosis, such a course is characteristic only during periods of exacerbation;
- Arthritis is systematic, including the left and right joints of the legs or hands in the process at the same time, as well as affects the heart, light, skin, vessels, nervous system.Arthroue lesion usually does not exceed a pathological joint;
- In the initial stages, the appearance is distinguished - with arthritis, the inflammation of the tissues is clearly visible, the place is swollen and becomes hot, with arthrosis there is no visual changes and only in advanced cases of the two diseases is manifested by joint deformity;
- The common well with arthritis deteriorates - the temperature rises, there is weakness, malaise, the appetite disappears, the weight decreases (in chronic form this sign may be absent).Such symptoms do not bother patients with arthrosis, only painful and poorly working is in the spotlight.

At different stages of the disease, the clinical picture can vary greatly.It is possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after a thorough examination.
Differential diagnosis of arthrosis and arthritis
At the first signs of joint disease, it is necessary to register for consultation with a doctor.The arthrologist deals with such pathologies that knows exactly how to recognize arthritis and arthrosis and what their difference is.If there is no such specialist in the clinic, you can visit an orthopedist, traumatologist, osteopath, rheumatologist, surgeon.With arthritis, depending on the etiology of the disease, it may be necessary to consult a specialist in infectious diseases, immunologist, neuropathologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist.
Based on confrontation and initial diagnosis, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
A number of instrumental studies are required:
- Radiography to determine the condition of the joints, recognition of injuries, neoplasms;
- CT and MRI for detail consideration not only of the joints but also of soft tissues;
- Ultrasound - is performed if there are contraindications for X -ray and tomography.
All these methods are quite informative, applicable to both pathologies.

If arthritis is suspected, you cannot do without laboratory tests that allow you to identify the root cause of the disease and determine the general condition of the body:
- Blood tests for leukocyte levels, ESR, specific markers;
- Urine analysis for uric acid salts;
- Rheumatic tests to detect rheumatoid factor;
- Immunological test for assessing the state of the body's immune defenses;
- PCR diagnosis on the pathogen of the infection;
- Arthroscopy for a fence for synovial fluid for analysis.
A set of methods is selected individually based on a clinical picture and a preliminary examination of a specialist.A full examination does not take much time, but it is very important for differential diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment.
The difference and characteristics in the treatment of any disease
Both diseases include special therapy, without which arthritis goes into chronic form and arthrosis is deprived of effectiveness.
The general principles of treatment are similar, but the tasks are different:
- With arthritis, the main purpose is to relieve inflammation, to eliminate painful symptoms, to prevent complications of other organs;
- With arthrosis, due to the inability to completely cure the disease, the main therapeutic focus is on relieving pain and stopping the dystrophic processes in cartilage.
The complex of medical measures necessarily includes medicines in the form of tablets, ointments, creams, solutions, powders, injections.Folk recipes, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises are used as ancillary methods.In advanced cases, you cannot do without surgery.
Therapy is carefully chosen according to individual indications.There is no universal medicine for arthritis and arthrosis, self -measurement is forbidden.
Arthritis and arthrosis - what is the difference in medication treatment
Pharmacy drugs are an integral part of the treatment of both diseases.You cannot do without them with arthritis due to the presence of a strong inflammatory process.The therapy is used:
- Anti -inflammatory non -steroidal drugs in the form of tablets, powders, ointments.Medicines in this group simply stop inflammation and concomitant unpleasant symptoms.
- Immunosuppressants.Suppress their own immune immunity.
- Corticosteroid hormones.Choose severe tablet pain or intra -ecular injection.
- Antibiotics.They have an antibacterial effect in the presence of an infectious process in the body and joints.
NSAIDs and corticosteroids are effective during the period of exacerbation of arthrosis, when inflammation and severe pain are attached to the pathological process.In addition, the disease involves the use of:
- Chondroprotectors to repair cartilage tissue and stop the destruction of the joint.In the long run, dusts are used to produce oral, injections intramuscular and intraiorticular.
- Lips painkillers.
- Vasodilator drugs to improve blood flow.
- Mussorelaxants of hypertension and muscle spasm.
- Vitamin complexes to improve metabolic processes and prevent systemic complications.
Chondroprotective and vitamin agents are also shown in some forms of arthritis, especially in chronic form.
Proper therapy is chosen according to the results of the study, taking into account the patient's age and well -being.
Ointment of arthritis and arthrosis
Symptomatic therapy is equally necessary for arthritis and arthrosis of the joints.Various creams, ointments, gels work locally, eliminating inflammation, pain, swelling, discomfort.In addition, they have no systemic effect on the body.
Can alleviate the condition:
- anti -inflammatory ointments based on a special substance;
- other non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs;
- painkillers and warming;
- local drugs that improve blood flow and elasticity of the musculoskeletal apparatus based on snake and bee venom;
- ointments with shark fat, activation of metabolic and regenerative processes in the joints;
- Rubbing with analgesic and anti -inflammatory properties.
Local remedies rarely cause side effects, but do not forget the possibility of an allergic skin reaction.

Traditional medicine
Folk methods are a good assistant in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis.Homemade recipes based on natural components have a predominantly symptomatic effect used as an additional tool.
With inflammation of the arthritic joints you can do:
- Compresses at night from birco leaves, white cabbage, aloe, washed in advance and slightly concave to secrete juice;
- Warm pine needles, choking of joints in the healing decoction;
- grinding an affected area of egg yolk, a spoon of apple cider vinegar and turpentine tournaments;
- The herbal decoction of sage, St. John and braids of St. John, boils 2 tablespoons of the collection in half boiling water, taking 0.5 glasses before meals.
To relieve arthrosis, it will help:
- ginger root compress, grated on a grater and attached to an inflamed joint to stimulate blood circulation and a warming effect;
- Rubika for the night of 50 g honey and 1 tsp.Medicinal mummy;
- Perper patch or mustard compression as a thermal procedure;
- Baths based on a decoction of mint leaves or soda soda solution.
All recipes can be used for both diseases, but only after consultation with the attending physician.Home treatment can help, eliminating unpleasant sensations and harm, causing an allergic reaction and exacerbation.
Exercises for arthritis and arthrosis
The purpose of therapeutic gymnastics is to restore joint mobility and prevent changes in deformation.

In the same way, this task is important for all joint pathologies:
- For the hip joint area - squat at right angles, swinging legs back and forth, exercises a "bicycle" and "scissors" in position of laying;
- For your knees - sit on the heels of the knee position and rise, the bicycle exercise - standing rounded knee movements with your feet closed, slowly move with a "goose gait";
- For the ankle - to massage all the finger individually, rotate your legs clockwise and against, stretch the sock from you and to yourself;
- For brushes and fingers - make circular brush movements in different directions, squeeze and unbutton the fist, rotate a circular object in your hands;
- For the shoulder belt - to rotate back and forth, lift your arms and shoulders alternated upwards.
All exercises can only be performed during remission of the disease by resolving a doctor.
Auxiliary therapeutic techniques
Joint treatment is not limited to medical and folk methods.It is important to perform comprehensive therapy, especially at the stage of rehabilitation after acute period and restoration of joint mobility.
Experts recommend:
- massage to reduce pain and development of the affected joint (point, copper, manual technique);
- Physiotherapy procedures to improve cellular metabolism, accelerate tissue regeneration, prevent complications (magnetotherapy, ultrasound, electrophoresis, paraffinopia);
- Alternative medicine (hirudotherapy, acupuncture, kineotherapy);
- Proper nutrition (diet) with the predominance of fruits and vegetables, rejection of harmful foods and alcohol;
- Treatment with a sanatorium resource with a complete complex of therapeutic services.
In advanced cases, this often happens with arthrosis, you should resort to radical surgical methods.Synectomy, arthroplasty, endoprothetics, arthrodesis will help the joints return the joints.Before this condition, the course of the disease is better not to be allowed by performing all medical prescriptions.
Conclusion
We offer information about a short form of disease arthrosis and arthritis, what is the difference in all important criteria:
Criterion | Arthritis | Arthrosis |
Etiology | Inflammatory disease, mainly acute form | Degenerative-dystrophic, extremely chronic course |
Reasons | Infections, autoimmune and metabolic disorders | Changes in the age system in the musculoskeletal system, undervalued arthritis |
Injuries, hormonal damage, large angles, stuck and unhealthy lifestyles, chronic pathologies | ||
Symptoms | A sudden appearance, expressed, has a common malaise | Gradually growth, the symptoms are local |
Pain, crunching, stiffness, stiffness while walking, external deformation (in the last stage) | ||
Diagnostics | Laboratory tests of blood and urine | - |
X -ray, ct, mri | ||
Treatment | NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, antibiotics | Chondroprotectors, analgesics, muscle relaxants, hormones, vitamins |
Forecast | In most cases complete recovery, rarely - the transition to chronic form | The gradual destruction of joints, followed by loss of mobility, disability, need for surgery |