Arthritis and osteoarthritis both affect your bones, ligaments and joints and share common symptoms such as joint stiffness and pain.... But the difference between the two is very important.... Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two common medical terms that are often used interchangeably.... While both diseases affect the joints, there are major differences in their causes, symptoms and treatments.. New methods and treatments.... **Difference between arthritis and arthrosis** Although the names arthritis and arthrosis are similar and both involve the joints, there are key differences between them.... ### Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints Arthritis is a general term for more than **100 types of inflammatory joint diseases**... These diseases are usually associated with **systemic inflammation** and can involve other organs in addition to joints, such as skin, eyes, lungs, and heart. Examples of arthritis include **osteoarthritis (arthrosis)**, **rheumatoid arthritis (RA)** and **gout**... #### Common types of arthritis: 1.... **Rheumatoid arthritis - RA:** An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the synovial membrane of the joints.... 2.... **Gout:** It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which causes severe inflammation.... 3.... **Systemic lupus erythematosus involves skin and internal diseases*.. In addition to the joints.... 4.... **Psoriatic arthritis:** It is related to psoriasis skin disease.... ### **Arthritis (arthrosis or osteoarthritis): destruction of joint cartilage** Arthritis is the most common type of arthritis, but unlike other types of arthritis, **it is not considered an inflammatory disease**... This disease is caused by **wearing and gradual destruction of articular cartilage**, which leads to the bones rubbing against each other.... joints... Over time, the cartilage may weaken or even disappear completely, leading to bone-to-bone contact and pain, dryness, and sometimes swelling... #### **Key features of arthritis:** - **Degenerative:** is a progressive destructive disease.... - **Non-inflammatory:** Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it does not have systemic inflammation.... - **Local:** usually involves one or more specific joints.... Arthritis can affect any joint, but it is more common in **hands, neck, knee and hip joints... Arthritis and Arthritis ** ### **Common symptoms:** - **joint pain** - **Dryness and reduced flexibility** - ** Swelling in the involved joints ** Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type, but the most common symptoms include joint pain and stiffness... Other common symptoms include: - ** Red and hot inflammation in the joints ** - **Pain that does not improve with rest** Systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue and weight loss - **Symmetric involvement of joints (especially in joint rheumatism)** - **Feeling dry in the morning for more than 30 minutes** Specific symptoms of arthritis include the following: - Joint pain and stiffness - Sensitivity to touch in the affected joints -Decreased flexibility of the joint - Feeling of rubbing or friction of bones against each other - Formation of extra bone material (osteophyte) around the joints ### **Risk factors of arthritis and arthrosis** The following factors can increase the risk of osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis: - **Age:** Arthritis and many types of arthritis are more common in the elderly... - **Sex:** Women are more prone to arthritis and rheumatism, while men are more prone to gout.... - **Weight:** Extra weight puts more pressure on the joints and increases the risk of injury and arthritis.. Uneven joints increase the risk of arthritis... - **Occupation:** Jobs that put a lot of pressure on the joints increase the risk of developing arthritis... - **Genetics:** A family history of arthritis or other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis increases the likelihood of developing it... **Diagnosis of arthritis and other types of arthritis** Doctor **symptoms and family history**, physical examination and tests such as: - ### Common diagnostic methods: - **Physical examination** (evaluation of pain, swelling and range of motion) - **imaging** (radiography, MRI, ultrasound) - **Blood test** (to rule out systemic inflammation) ### **specific diagnosis of arthritis:** - **RF (rheumatoid factor) and Anti-CCP** test (for RA) - **aspiration of joint fluid** (for gout or infection) **synovium biopsy** (in suspected cases of RA) ### **specific diagnosis of arthritis:** - **radiography** (reduction of joint space and osteophyte) - Absence of inflammatory markers in blood test ### **Treatment of arthritis and other types of arthritis** Depending on the type of disease, treatment may include: - **Drugs:** such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - **Physiotherapy:** to strengthen joints and improve range of motion - **Occupational therapy:** Adjusting the work environment and daily habits for better disease management - **Orthoses:** Using braces, splints or shoe soles to reduce pressure on the joints - **Surgery:** joint replacement or fusion in advanced cases In most cases, the doctor first recommends non-surgical methods... **preventing the progression of the disease** - **regular exercise (swimming, walking, yoga)** - **anti-inflammatory diet (omega 3, turmeric, vegetables)** - **avoidance of frequent impact movements** - **Using orthotics and appropriate shoes** ### **Living with arthrosis or arthritis** If you are diagnosed with arthrosis or arthritis, cooperate with your doctor for a treatment plan... By knowing about the disease, treatment and prevention of its progress, you can live a normal and healthy life... **Dr. Homan Kukbi** *Orthopedic surgeon in Tehran* *specialist in diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases and arthritis* Contact the office to get an appointment and expert advice...