Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two very common diseases that affect the joints, but they are very different from each other.
The arthritis is a general term used to describe any inflammation in the joints. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as an infection, an allergic reaction, or an autoimmune disorder. Arthritis can make joints swollen, red and painful, and can cause fever and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of autoimmune arthritis, in which the immune system attacks the joints. Osteoarthritis is another common form of arthritis that is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, making it difficult to move and can cause pain.
Secondly, Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that mainly affects the joints. Unlike arthritis, osteoarthritis is not caused by inflammation, but by the wear and tear of the cartilage that lines the joints. It is an age-related disease, since with the passage of time, the cartilage wears down and the joints become less flexible and more painful.
Osteoarthritis usually occurs in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. and can make it difficult to move and can cause aches and pains in the affected joints. It can also cause joint deformities and limit mobility.
In short, arthritis is inflammation in the joints, while osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage wear. Although both can cause pain and difficulty moving, they are different diseases and require different treatments.
It is important to remember that if you suspect you have one of these diseases or have pain or discomfort in your joints, you should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
In addition, it is important to mention that arthritis and osteoarthritis can also have effects in other areas of life, not only in mobility and joint pain. Arthritis, especially the chronic form, can cause fatigue and difficulty performing daily activities. It can also affect the quality of sleep, the ability to work, and social relationships. On the other hand, osteoarthritis can make it difficult to perform activities of daily living, such as tying shoes or grasping objects. It can also have an impact on self-esteem and self-confidence due to difficulties in moving and the joint deformities it can cause.
It is important to take steps to prevent and control these diseases. For example, maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent arthritis and osteoarthritis, especially in the knee and hip joints. Regular physical activity and specific exercises to strengthen joints can also help prevent and control these diseases. In addition, it is important to follow the recommendations of a health professional if you already have any of these diseases, especially regarding medication and physical therapy.
In conclusion, arthritis and osteoarthritis are two different diseases that affect the joints. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints, while osteoarthritis is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage. Both can cause pain and difficulty moving, and can have effects on other areas of life as well. It is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and follow the recommendations to prevent and control these diseases.
In this video they explain it to us from Fisio Online
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This information should never replace the opinion of a doctor. If in doubt, consult professionals.