Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two conditions that affect the joints, but have different causes and characteristics.
It is crucial to know their differences in order to receive the right treatment.
In this article, we explain in depth the main distinctions between the two and how to treat them effectively.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can have various causes, such as autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), infections or injuries.
It is an inflammatory disease that can affect people of any age, and its effects go beyond simple joint pain.
The most common types are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Linked to psoriasis, it affects the joints and skin.
- Infectious arthritis: Produced by infections in the joints.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected joint.
In rheumatoid arthritis, patients may also experience general symptoms, such as fatigue and fever.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage of the joints.
It is more common in older people due to wear and tear of the cartilage over time.
Although joint pain is a common symptom, it does not usually cause significant swelling, but it can limit mobility.
This condition occurs primarily in the most weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips and spine.
Symptoms include pain when moving the joint, stiffness after periods of inactivity, and crepitus when moving the joints.
Comparative Table: Arthritis vs. Arthrosis
| Feature | Arthritis | Arthrosis |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Inflammatory (autoimmune, infections) | Degenerative (cartilage wear and tear) |
| Age of onset | Any age | Mainly over 50 years of age |
| Main symptoms | Pain, swelling, stiffness | Pain, stiffness, crepitus |
| Progression | May be fast or slow | Slow and progressive |
| Treatment | Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, physiotherapy, surgery in severe cases | Analgesics, physiotherapy, hyaluronic acid infiltrations, platelet-rich plasma, surgery in severe cases. |
Arthritis Treatments
Treatment of arthritis depends on the type and severity of the condition.
Some of the most common treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: They help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Immunosuppressants: Used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, they reduce the immune response that damages the joints.
- Physiotherapy: Improves mobility and strengthens affected joints.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Treatments for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is primarily treated with approaches aimed at improving joint function and relieving pain.
Treatments include:
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs: To control pain.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: Improve joint lubrication.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infiltrations: Stimulate the repair of damaged joint tissue.
- Physical rehabilitation: Physical therapy exercises help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
- Surgery: When damage is severe, joint replacement may be considered.
Prevention and Lifestyle
Both arthritis and osteoarthritis can be better managed with healthy habits.
Some measures include:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight increases pressure on the joints, especially the knees.
- Regular exercise: Low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking, helps maintain mobility and muscle strength.
- Balanced diet: A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the joints.
Conclusion
Arthritis and osteoarthritis are diseases that affect joints differently, but both require proper diagnosis and treatment to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you experience symptoms of either condition, it is essential to consult with a specialist for personalized treatment to help you stay active and pain-free.
At Clínica San Román, our specialists are trained to diagnose and treat both arthritis and osteoarthritis, offering personalized therapies ranging from pharmacological treatments to minimally invasive procedures.
