Arthritis is a inflammation of the joint, while arthrosis is a chronic disease in which there is loss of joint cartilage and degeneration of the bones that are part of the joint. That's the difference between arthritis and arthritis.
Although they are distinct diseases, arthritis and arthrosis are directly related. This is because inflammation of arthritis causes wear or destruction of joint cartilage; with the decrease of the cartilage, the bones come in contact with each other, generating the arthrosis. Therefore, if not properly treated, the arthritis can progress to arthrosis.
The joints, popularly called "joints", are places in the body where two or more bones meet. Some examples: knee, ankle, hip, elbow, wrist, etc. At the bony ends are the cartilages, which avoid direct contact between the bones and cushion the contact between them, allowing smooth movements and without pain.
An arthritis can be caused by infections or inflammatory processes which affect the articular components, such as cartilage, joint capsule, ligaments and meniscus, and can occur in any joint of the body.
The main symptoms of arthritis are: pain, swelling, heat, redness and stiffness in the affected joint. They are typical signs of an inflammatory process (arthritis is an inflammation in the joint), with the exception of stiffness. The pain may be constant or not, and may occur at rest or during movement.
Learn more at: What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The osteoarthritis symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, loss of mobility, and changes in the shape of the affected joint. They occur mainly in the fingers and knees, but are also common in the hip and spine. The pain of osteoarthritis usually worsens with the cold.
O treatment of arthritis depends on the cause of inflammation, and may include anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologicals, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, weight loss and surgeries. The goal is to decrease pain, inflammation and swelling, as well as maintain or recover joint movements.
O osteoarthritis can be made with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, local injections, rest, weight loss, physiotherapy, use of splints and orthopedic shoes and, in some cases, surgery.
Find out more at: Does Artrose Cure? What is the treatment?
The rheumatologist is a specialist responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and arthrosis.
