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Arthritis and arthrosis difference

27 Apr 18

Which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis?

Your joint is painful, swollen, or hard to move. What to do? Which doctor should I contact with this problem? Everything in our body functions, works, and accordingly wears out. Healthy cells repair themselves, but if this does not happen, we need to look for the cause and its treatment.

In small towns or villages, first of all, they go to a general practitioner; if a child has problems, they go to a pediatrician, and he then determines which specialist to refer you to.

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, do not confuse it with arthrosis in any way. We will now figure out how these diseases differ.

What are the differences between the diseases?

The first difference in etiology:

  • Arthritis can occur due to injury or infection, a malfunction in the metabolic system, and is characterized by an inflammatory process.
  • Arthrosis is chronic and causes wear and deformation of the joints.
  • The symptoms of diseases are also different - this is the second sign:

  • Arthritis can occur in a latent form (chronic) or make itself felt immediately (acute form). It manifests itself as pain, increased body temperature, swelling, and changes in the color of the skin.
  • Osteoarthritis may not necessarily be accompanied by painful symptoms. Sometimes the pain occurs after a long rest, but goes away after working out; there is a crunching or clicking sound when moving.
  • The third is the nature of the damage to the body:

  • With arthritis, the whole body suffers. The inflammatory process affects the functioning of internal organs: heart, liver, kidneys.
  • Arthrosis – affects only the joint.
  • Fourth - how exactly joints are damaged:

  • Any joint can get arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis likes to affect the connective tissues that bear the most stress. These are the knee, ankle, hip, and also the joint of the big toe.
  • What is the diagnosis based on?

    General blood test - blood from a finger. If arthrosis usually does not change the composition of the blood, then with arthritis the content of leukocytes and red blood cells increases.

    Rheumatic tests and biochemical analysis are carried out - taken from a vein on an empty stomach. Arthrosis does not change the structure of the blood; with arthritis, inflammatory markers increase. Rheumatoid arthritis is manifested by the appearance of rheumatoid factor in the blood, and with gout, increased uric acid.

    X-ray shows at what stage the disease is, if there is a change in the bone structure - arthrosis. MRI and CT may also be prescribed.

    Which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis?

    As mentioned earlier, first of all we visit a general practitioner. He will examine and refer you to a rheumatologist , he will examine, make a diagnosis and plan treatment.

    If the doctor has diagnosed arthrosis, he conducts additional examinations to establish the stage of the disease. Treatment occurs only with medications, injections, ointments. First of all, the doctor advises reducing the load and taking chondroprotectors. To improve blood circulation, a set of exercises is recommended.

    Treatment must be comprehensive, therefore the following doctors of a narrow specialization may be additionally involved: physiotherapist, massage therapist, physical therapy specialist, surgeon.

    An arthrologist is a doctor who works with joint problems. But these specialists are very rare, only in large clinics, and it is difficult to get to them.

    If the disease progresses and has reached a severe stage, it is treated by an orthopedic surgeon. Depending on the need for treatment, he can perform two types of operations: organ-preserving and endoprosthetics.

    Which doctor will treat arthritis depends on the cause.

  • In case of injury, which served as an impetus, for development it will be necessary to visit a traumatologist.
  • Rheumatoid – specialists in immune diseases.
  • Metabolic disorder (gout) – nutritionist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist.
  • If the maxillofacial joint is sick: dentist, ENT.
  • If it is purulent, the intervention of a surgeon is necessary to perform the operation.
  • Treatment should begin as soon as discomfort is felt. This is the only way to feel relief faster and the disease will cause minimal harm to the body.

    The doctor performs treatment depending on the cause of arthritis, but there is a standard regimen:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). First, a course of intramuscular, intravenous or intra-articular injections is given; subsequently, ointments can be used for treatment.
  • If you have muscle spasms, take antispasmodics.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Anesthetics.
  • Gastroprotectors, to protect the stomach.
  • A vitamin complex is prescribed.
  • Chondroprotectors – they improve the quality of cartilage tissue.
  • Therapeutic diet.
  • Physiotherapy.
  • Massage, acupuncture.
  • This treatment regimen is supplemented depending on the course of the disease. The recovery process is long and labor-intensive; rehabilitation will also require a lot of work on your part.

    The difference between arthritis and arthrosis: what is important for the patient to remember

    There is arthrosis, and there is arthritis. Their names sound very similar, these diseases affect the same organs - the joints, but the very basis of these ailments is still different. What is the difference?

    Arthrosis, or deforming osteoarthritis (DOA) is a chronic degenerative disease that occurs in waves. One of the main characteristics of this disease is damage to the cartilage tissue in the joint.

    With this disease, cartilage ceases to cope with the load that is placed on it, and it begins to deteriorate more than it can recover.

    As a result, the cartilage layer between the bones, which ensures normal sliding of the articular surfaces of the bones, fails to cope with its function, begins to collapse, and any movements are accompanied by pain.

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    To put it very briefly and simply, arthritis is a disease that is accompanied by inflammation of one or more (many) joints. Actually, the word “arthritis” consists of two words: “arthrosis”, “arthron” means “joint”, and the suffix “itis” means inflammation of an organ.

    In other words, the main symptom of the disease is inflammation of the joint, which is accompanied by pain, swelling of the diseased area, increased temperature (general or local - in the affected area), as well as dysfunction, when the ability to move is reduced to one degree or another.

    Thus, with osteoarthritis, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and with arthritis, the joint becomes inflamed for one reason or another. This is the main difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis. Let's see how else these diseases differ.

    The causes of these diseases

    Osteoarthritis can be primary or secondary in its occurrence. Primary osteoarthritis occurs without any specific visible causes (or scientists have not yet learned to find these causes), often appears with age and usually affects both symmetrical joints, such as the hip or knee.

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    Secondary does not occur on its own, but as a consequence of some previously suffered disease and, as it were, “based on it” - that’s why such osteoarthritis is called secondary.

    Why does secondary DOA occur? Scientists here have not yet found a clear answer to this question. Or rather, there are answers, but they are all different.

    According to genetic theory, there is a certain genetic predisposition to this disease, transmitted through the female line.

    If we talk about the external causes of the development of such a disease, then these include excess weight, very high (in athletes) or very low physical activity, joint injuries in the past, endocrine diseases and much more.

    You can read more about the causes of DOA in the article causes of joint pain: what causes osteoarthritis.

    What causes inflammation of the joint? This question is also not so easy to answer, but for a different reason. If the destruction of cartilage during arthrosis is a very specific change in the body, then inflammation, on the contrary, is a nonspecific, common reaction of the body to any influence.

    In other words, if something is wrong in the body, inflammation often occurs immediately. And this applies primarily to arthritis: almost always the same inflammation occurs under a variety of influences - from immunological disorders in rheumatoid arthritis to inflammation in reactive arthritis caused, for example, by chlamydia.

    Arthritis, however, can also be divided into primary and secondary - according to the same principle as with DOA.

    Primary occurs in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic juvenile, spondylosis, Still's disease, gout, pseudogout, juvenile (children's) rheumatoid arthritis, as well as septic - caused by various microorganisms.

    Secondary forms of inflammation, like secondary arthrosis, appear as a consequence of other previously occurring diseases - such as psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), hemochromatosis, reactive arthritis (reactive arthropathy), borreliosis, granulomatosis and others.

    Which joints are affected?

    Osteoarthritis most often affects the large joints of the human body, resulting in the formation of osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthrosis), (coxarthrosis), spine (spondyloarthrosis), shoulder joint and others. Of course, this does not mean that small joints cannot suffer from this disease - they can, of course, but according to statistics, it is the joints listed above that are most often affected.

    In the case of inflammation, such a pattern is more difficult to identify, but it is still generally accepted that small joints are more often affected by arthritis, especially the hands with the same rheumatoid arthritis.

    Of course, it would be wrong to distinguish between these diseases based on which joints are affected by arthrosis and which by arthritis, but nevertheless such a pattern exists.

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    Arthritis and arthrosis (osteoarthrosis) are completely different groups of diseases, despite the fact that they can be very similar to each other, and their external manifestations (symptoms) may even partially overlap.

    But if the main problem with DOA is the gradual destruction of cartilage (which can occur without inflammation or with rare inflammation in the form of synovitis), then with arthritis the main damaging factor is inflammation, which occurs with pain, swelling of the joint and impairment of its functions.

    Despite the fact that some of the symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis are similar, the patient’s tactics when the described symptoms occur should be exactly the same. If you experience pain, limitation of movements, suspicious crunching in the joints that was not there before, consult a doctor as soon as possible and start receiving the necessary treatment.

    And as these symptoms begin to decrease on medications, your doctor will conduct the necessary examinations and prescribe tests that will tell both you and him with high accuracy what kind of disease we are talking about - inflammation or deforming arthrosis.

    Do not neglect a visit to the doctor, this will help you avoid pain, and, perhaps, will greatly extend the life of your joints!

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    Arthritis and arthrosis: which doctor should I contact?

    Joint diseases today do not spare either young or elderly patients. They occur even in children. Both inflammatory and degenerative-dystrophic changes can develop in the joints. And the issue of medical care for such diseases becomes very relevant. Which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis? Such a specialist is called an arthrologist.

    Actually, the treatment of joints should be carried out by an arthrologist. The specifics of its activities are reflected in the name. It treats acute and chronic processes, helps patients with articular syndrome due to autoimmune diseases.

    In addition, his area of ​​interest includes age-related changes in joints, called arthrosis deformans, as well as metabolic disorders, including systemic ones. The arthrologist gives recommendations for gout and osteoporosis, prescribes an appropriate diet or replacement therapy.

    This doctor is competent in all aspects – from the smallest to the largest – joints. It would seem that the patient should not even have a question about which specialist to contact. If there is pain in the hip joint or stiffness in the knee joint, if the foot hurts when trying to walk, you need to make an appointment with an arthrologist.

    He will conduct an initial examination, based on the results of which he will establish a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe a comprehensive examination. Then he will recommend appropriate therapy based on the underlying disease.

    But in practice, a completely different situation arises. Not every clinic has arthrologists. Moreover, they have only begun to appear in government institutions in recent years. More often, such specialists can be found in commercial medical centers, where their consultations are quite expensive.

    And in a regular clinic, which doctors treat arthrosis and other joint pathologies?

    Which doctor treats arthrosis of the shoulder joint or arthritis of the joints of the hand? Who should I contact if I have ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus or nonspecific ulcerative colitis? All these diseases are united by damage to large and small joints of the body.

    Which doctor should I contact if it is not possible to get a consultation with a specialist – an arthrologist?

    Joints belong to the musculoskeletal system, all elements of which are derivatives of connective tissue. That is why articular syndrome is within the competence of several related specialists.

    In addition, there are pathologies not related to the musculoskeletal system. But their consequence is precisely damage to the joints. Thus, infectious diseases of the genitourinary system lead to characteristic arthritis that occurs against the background of the disease or after some time. These inflammatory changes are even classified as a separate syndrome.

    Endocrine pathology almost always entails systemic metabolic disorders, and very often the disease also affects the joints. Who treats arthrosis and arthritis in this case?

    Any specialist must know how to examine joints and refer the patient for a comprehensive examination if necessary. But still, the main doctors closely dealing with this problem are:

    Which doctor treats arthrosis of the hip joint, gonarthrosis, and pathology of the small joints of the foot? As a rule, this is an orthopedist or a holder of two related specialties at once - traumatology and orthopedics.

    In practice, they are difficult to separate from each other. Often, old injuries make themselves felt by recurrent arthritis and in most cases - in the absence of adequate therapy - degenerative changes develop in this area, sometimes with deformation.

    Osteoarthritis of the hip joint and knee diseases lead to gait disturbances, instability, and lameness, which are fraught with falls and serious injuries. Such people quickly become patients of a traumatologist, and they need to be treated taking into account the already existing degenerative-dystrophic changes.

    Osteoarthritis of the shoulder and knee, damage to the spine, arthrosis of the foot - these diseases are also a subject of interest to an orthopedic traumatologist. He examines patients. Refers for the following examinations:

  • General clinical and biochemical blood tests.
  • Urine tests.
  • Radiography and more modern methods of studying the musculoskeletal system - MRI and CT.
  • This specialist prescribes the necessary therapy, and if conservative methods are ineffective, performs surgery. For diagnostic purposes, orthopedic traumatologists use endoscopic examination of the joint - arthroscopy. Also during this invasive procedure, they carry out the necessary manipulations for treatment.

    There are both traumatologists and orthopedists in any clinic, even in a small city.

    This doctor treats rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. Periarteritis nodosa, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis are also autoimmune diseases that occur with articular syndrome.

    Rheumatology in a broad sense is a branch of medicine that deals with connective tissue problems. But in the body, most organs are represented by it.

    In practice, a rheumatologist is a doctor who treats and monitors patients with predominantly inflammatory joint lesions - arthritis, especially if they are the result of autoimmune diseases. But patients with rheumatic fever and reactive changes in the joints can see them. In any case, this specialist will conduct the necessary examination and prescribe therapy.

    When should you see a rheumatologist? Reasons for consulting a specialist may include:

  • Inflammatory changes in the joints - their redness, swelling, deformation.
  • Severe pain syndrome.
  • The combination of these manifestations with other symptoms and, especially, prolonged fever.
  • Involvement of several or many joints in the inflammatory process, their symmetrical damage.
  • Lack of sufficient response to standard anti-inflammatory therapy.
  • Rheumatology clinics are usually organized in large cities. If the locality is small, then you should look for a rheumatologist in a city clinic. He often combines this specialty with cardiology and is called a cardiorheumatologist.

    Of all joint lesions, arthritis and arthrosis are the most common - which doctor treats them in the absence of a rheumatologist and orthopedist? This question is relevant for residents of small settlements with only one rural outpatient clinic.

    In such a situation, joint diseases are dealt with by a therapist. His specialty involves the study of all pathologies in general, and therefore he is quite capable of understanding the main pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

    What should you contact this specialist for? Most often, the therapist treats arthrosis of the knee joint and foot diseases. Also in his practice, degenerative changes in the hip and shoulder joints and damage to the spine are often encountered. In addition, the therapist is faced with inflammatory processes in the joints - reactive, metabolic and autoimmune arthritis.

    This doctor is also indispensable if patients cannot move independently. He examines them at home and, based on the test results, prescribes appropriate treatment.

    Not all joint diseases can be cured, but in most cases it is possible to achieve long-term remission of the pathological process. The main thing is to decide in a timely manner which specialist to see and then adhere to his recommendations.

    The difference between arthritis and arthrosis: studying the manifestations of pain

    The names of the diseases really sound like they affect the same organ system, namely the musculoskeletal system.

    How does arthritis differ from arthrosis and what are their similarities?

    It is known for certain that the disease affects the musculoskeletal system, in particular the joints, but the etiology of the diseases is different.

    Thus, arthritis occurs due to any infection: local or general, and arthrosis is a degenerative process that occurs in articular cartilage due to the aging of the human body.

    However, anyone can get arthritis and arthrosis, no matter what age they are.

    Among other things, arthrosis can also relate to dystrophic processes, while arthritis can be side effects of other endo- and exogenous diseases.

    Among the first are osteoarthrosis and arthrosis of deforming joints, and arthritis can be rheumatoid and rheumatic, specific infectious and post-traumatic, and arthritis can also be accompanied by concomitant diseases of the blood, respiratory system, digestion and others. Read about the causes of arthritis.

    The symptoms of these diseases are also similar, for example, in both cases there is a crunching sensation in the joints when a person makes any movements, pain and swelling. But there are also significant differences, for example, the same pain occurs in different conditions.

    Thus, with arthritis, pain most often occurs during physical activity, and pain can also occur at night, when a person is in the same position for a long time.

    With arthrosis, pain occurs localized in one place, namely where the inflammatory process is taking place, but at rest the pain disappears.

    The nature of the pain is also different. For example, patients who have arthritis suffer from acute, strong and jerking pain, while dull and aching pains accompany arthrosis.

    Blood test results are also excellent. In the first case, there is an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and an increase in the level of C-reactive protein, as well as a high level of leukocytes and seromucoid. In the second case there are no such deviations.

    As a result, both diseases affect the state of the supporting apparatus, and their treatment methods are identical to each other. An important condition for recovery is a decrease in total body weight, and, therefore, a decrease in the load on the organs affected by the disease.

    Specific therapy, therapeutic exercises, drug treatment, and physiotherapy are used. For the most severe complications, endoprosthetics is used. Arthritis is important to treat immediately, but arthrosis must be treated consistently. In both cases, people who observe any obvious signs of these diseases should immediately consult a specialist, and they should not treat these diseases on their own. Take care of your health and get what you want.

    Finding out which doctor treats arthritis of the knee and other joints

    Inflammation of the joints is one of the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system with a pronounced infectious pathogenesis. In recent years, medical science has identified a wide range of arthritis and arthrosis of all types for more effective relief of the localized source of the disease. The question of which doctor treats arthritis cannot be answered unequivocally. Joint therapy requires multidisciplinary help from several doctors: orthopedists, therapists, rheumatologists, nutritionists and even plastic surgeons . Based on diagnostic data and the patient’s medical history, specialists are required to make coordinated decisions in order to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe comprehensive treatment.

    Specialists who treat joint diseases

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    At the initial manifestation of symptoms of joint diseases, it is recommended to go to the clinic, where, under X-ray and ultrasound control, treatment will be carried out:

  • therapist , who consults most patients at the very beginning of their treatment path and redirects them to other doctors;
  • arthrologist _ He deals exclusively with joints, so it would be ideal to make an appointment with him;
  • rheumatologist _ It has a highly specialized specialization, as it accepts patients with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis;
  • immunologist , the need for additional visits arises in the event of a disorder of autoimmune reactions, for example, in the case of juvenile or rheumatoid arthritis. If there is concomitant cardiac damage, consultation with a cardiologist will be required;
  • a verterbrologist specializes in eliminating diseases of the spinal column, including spinal arthritis;
  • a dermatovenerologist will assist in the treatment of arthritis and their relapse caused by systemic lupus erythematosus or psoriasis. If you have skin rashes, you should consult a specialist;
  • the pediatrician will clarify the child’s health status and explain how to completely stop the pathology, which doctor the parents should contact;
  • the surgeon performs surgery in extreme cases, replacing the affected joints with prostheses.
  • If the disease is accompanied by pathological changes, then comprehensive monitoring of the patient’s health is carried out by traumatologists and orthopedists.

    Causes and pathogenesis

    The degree of risk of clinical joint infection depends on the type of pathogenic microflora that has penetrated, the method of infection and the state of the human immune system. In most cases, highly virulent bacteria with a large volume of inoculum take root . This happens in the following ways:

  • Direct penetration through an open wound (any type of injury, animal bites).
  • Hematogenous spread from neighboring or far-localized sites of infection.
  • During the patient's intraoperative stay due to non-sterile instruments. Then pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into the bloodstream, subsequently provoking bacterial endocarditis.
  • The cause of infection of elements of the musculoskeletal system is the penetration of bacteria of group A streptococcus, staphylococcus, and gonococcus. Less commonly, the occurrence of septic arthritis occurs against the background of gram-negative organisms, including E. coli, Salmonella viruses and others. People with weakened immune systems are susceptible , which is typical for patients in the postoperative period, in the presence of vitamin deficiency or chronic pathologies.

    Arthritis, which occurs as a result of the migration of bacteria through endothelial clefts inside the body, is dangerous to the patient’s health and can endanger his life. Lack of oxygen in affected tissues reduces the phagocytic activity of white blood cells. The acute inflammatory reaction is explained by the ease of infection due to the absence of the basement membrane of the joint capsule shell. As a result, the hyperthermic surface produces an increased amount of synovial fluid and hypertrophies.

    The process of phagocytosis releases proteolytic enzymes that can destroy cartilage tissue. Cytokines and other inductive molecules coproduced by leukocytes and synovial tissue enhance the subsequent inflammatory response. In 50% of clinical cases it causes damage to all articular surfaces. At the point of contact of the synovial membrane with cartilage, simultaneous erosion of bone tissue occurs, which can lead to sepsis and complete destruction of the joint.

    Classification of arthritis

    To prescribe a course of treatment, it is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis. History, physical examination and laboratory tests provide more accurate data showing the progression of the disease from its onset. Therefore, to understand the essence of primary pathological changes in the body, the causes of joint inflammation are conventionally divided into types that precede or aggravate the disease. The following types of disease occur:

  • traumatic (osteonecrosis);
  • inflammatory – infectious, rheumatoid, juvenile arthritis, pseudogout;
  • osteochondropathy (genetic-mutational) - hip dysplasia, hemophilus influenzae infection and subsequent form of pathogenesis in the form of purulent arthritis, Perthes disease;
  • idiopathic (osteoarthritis);
  • metabolic – excessive calcium pyrophosphate deposits, gout, Gaucher disease.
  • The characteristic severity of symptoms and their duration play an important role in making a diagnosis. For example, a gradual worsening of the manifestations of arthritis indicates its non-traumatic cause . The accompanying swelling indicates multiple inflammatory processes in adjacent tissue structures. Painful sensations that limit daily activities indicate the seriousness of the disease.

    Diagnostics used to detect arthritis

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    Many people do not know which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis, so they take a referral for examination from a therapist and go through the main types of it. The following diagnostic methods are used in orthopedics:

  • Laboratory diagnostics . It is recommended to donate blood for analysis in case of a protracted septic process or unnatural pain after joint replacement. Based on laboratory diagnostic data, it becomes clear whether there is inflammation. Indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell count are useful.
  • An x-ray reveals pathological changes in the joint at a long-term stage of inflammation, but does not always show damage to cartilage tissue or periarticular bone erosion. The method allows you to understand the localization of the inflammatory process, if there is any doubt about what exactly caused the lesion, and whether the cause of the symptoms is really arthritis of the knee joint. It is clear which doctor treats the pathology – an orthopedist. The image visualizes deformation of the cancellous bone and cortical bone destruction, severe osteopenia in chronic septic arthritis, osteomyelitis. The general periosteal reaction is dangerous due to the potential development of sclerotic necrosis of bone tissue. The disadvantage is the difficulty in examining soft tissues in the knee and hip area. An exception is cases with swelling, which includes air, visible on the image in the form of discrete zones, similar to intestinal gas contamination on an x-ray of the peritoneum.
  • Ultrasound perfectly detects pathologies of the hip joint, inflammation of soft tissues, and abscess. The listed violations are seen not only by the doctor, but also by other general specialists who, based on the results of the study, will refer the patient to an orthopedist.
  • Radionuclide tomography has a high sensitivity to chronic infections of the musculoskeletal system due to the administered radioisotopes. But it gives false positive signals for acute septic arthritis. It is difficult to distinguish the signals of arthritis from aseptic weakening in patients with painful prostheses, neoplasms, injuries, fractures, postoperative or neurotrophic changes in the body. Often used to clear up doubts about an infectious process before performing an invasive procedure.
  • Computed tomography with reconstruction of the projection in the sagittal or coronal plane is used to identify discrete sequestra isolated from a viable joint. CT helps to assess the actual state of mechanical functioning and integrity of the joint shell, determine the degree of healing of fractures even in the presence of metal fixation of equipment, identify expansion of the joint capsule and any evidence of cartilaginous erosion.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging is the most popular investigative technique with unprecedented visualization of bone marrow, abscesses, synovial cysts and infected soft tissues. MRI facilitates the detection of septic processes and periarticular inflammation of bone tissue at the synovial-cartilaginous junction.
  • Joint puncture are often performed . The method allows you to identify pathogenic flora and neutralize the infection. Visually you can assess the condition of the biomaterial. If it is infectious in nature, it has purulent contents, a gray-waxy or bloody tint; characterized by excessive turbidity, density; creates a pronounced amorphous sediment. By counting the number of leukocytes, it is possible to estimate the level of cytosis - neutrophils predominate in it (>85%). This phenomenon indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. If the taken biomaterial has a hemorrhagic component or a floating layer of fat, then we are talking about serious pathologies or an intra-articular fracture.
  • Qualified video opinion on diagnosing arthritis:

    Many people are interested in: when a highly specialized doctor treats arthritis, what type of diagnosis is the best? The listed procedures are used to determine the most accurate diagnosis - both individually and collectively.

    It is better to use several types of diagnostics that confirm each other’s data and reduce the number of false assumptions. A hypertrophied synovium usually indicates progression of infection of the joint, inflammation of the bone marrow or tendons.

    Features of treatment carried out in orthopedics

    There are several conditions encountered in orthopedics that complicate a physician's practice. In such clinical cases, it is difficult for a specialist to select the optimal therapy.

    We are talking about arthritis that arose against the background of:

  • viral hepatitis . Viral arthritis is a common pathology, which is actively combated in orthopedics with the participation of infectious disease doctors. Most often, inflammation of the joints develops against the background of viral hepatitis. Joint damage is not characterized by an aggressive form, but difficulty in treatment is created by the potential toxicity of many antirheumatic drugs. When choosing the type of treatment for patients with viral arthritis, they must be careful, limiting themselves to the minimum acceptable range of medications. It is advisable to start therapy with paracetamol, replacing it with NSAIDs if necessary;
  • endoprosthetics . Despite the use of high-quality materials, in some cases there is a risk of developing inflammation even in endoprosthetic joints. Factors that cause damage include immunodeficiency states, autoimmune conditions, repeated surgical interventions, long-term surgery, prosthetic joints, which are located superficially due to their physiological characteristics. If several factors are relevant at the same time, the risk of joint infection increases to 50%;
  • age-related changes . Juvenile arthritis accounts for 30% of all identified joint inflammations. Given the young age of patients, it can be difficult for parents to understand which doctor treats arthritis of the knee, ankle, elbow or other joints. It is enough to contact a therapist: the doctor will prescribe treatment taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient’s age.
  • In this video, a patient explains how he underwent a knee replacement due to arthritis:

    These cases are united by the need to complete the prescribed treatment without interrupting the course. The first improvement in well-being does not mean the onset of recovery. Priority drugs are 3rd generation cephalosporins.

    All antibiotics are administered intravenously over 60 minutes or intramuscularly.

    Before prescribing an antibiotic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it. The same applies to other prescribed drugs: if intolerance has previously been observed, it is important to inform the orthopedist about this during consultation.

    Treatments used to treat arthritis

    Specialists use several groups of medications:

    Which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis - features and services

    Unbearable pain in the knee or elbow joint - almost everyone has encountered this symptom. Which doctor treats arthritis? It’s good if you managed to get a consultation with an arthrologist. However, such narrow specialists do not work in all public medical institutions. An orthopedist can also help.

    A narrow specialist diagnoses and treats pathological processes associated with the functioning of joints. It is wrong to believe that such diseases occur only in the older generation. Any infection can lead to the development of arthritis and artosis. There are many forms of the disease. The most common ones will be described below.

    Unfortunately, finding a qualified arthrologist is not so easy. In provincial medical centers, orthopedists take on this responsibility. If treatment is not successful, the patient develops complications and is sent to regional or metropolitan centers.

    We managed to figure out which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis. What symptoms should you seek help from a specialist? It all depends on the specific disease.

    Regardless of which doctor treats arthritis, therapy will be successful if the type of disease is initially correctly determined. Statistics indicate that 9 out of 1000 people experience joint pathologies. And this is not just older people. Arthritis often develops as a complication after a viral or bacterial infection. More often, women aged 40-50 years experience joint diseases.

    In young patients, the most common is reactive arthritis. This disease is secondary and appears after influenza, sore throat or other infections. Therefore, it is important not to self-medicate, but to promptly seek qualified medical help.

    There are also rheumatoid and infectious arthritis. These diseases have similar symptoms, but develop differently. Gout is also a type of arthritis.

    Despite the similar names, arthrosis has some differences. First of all, this is a chronic process that leads to irreversible changes in the articular cartilage. If the pathological process is started, the patient requires surgical intervention. It does not matter which doctor treats arthritis or arthrosis. It is important that therapy is started in a timely manner.

    Symptoms of vascular diseases

    Any arthritis begins with a general malaise. Most patients attribute this condition to fatigue and try to reduce physical activity. However, the discomfort does not go away even after a night's rest. Gradually, the discomfort increases, and a burning pain appears in the affected joint. If the disease is caused by an infection, the body temperature may rise to low-grade levels. At the same time, the general malaise worsens, symptoms of intoxication appear - headache, nausea.

    With any type of arthritis, swelling may be present in the area of ​​the affected joint. The patient cannot fully extend his fingers, knees or elbows (depending on the location of the inflammation). The success of therapy depends on how quickly the patient seeks help and which doctor treats joint arthritis. If you choose the right technique, you can eliminate unpleasant symptoms in 7-10 days.

    What kind of doctor treats arthritis without making a correct diagnosis? To begin appropriate therapy, it is necessary to understand what is associated with the inflammatory process when the patient first developed symptoms. After interviewing the patient, the doctor sends him for an X-ray examination. During the procedure, it is possible to find out where the inflammation is localized. A microbiological examination of the synovial fluid is required. Additionally, the patient may be referred for consultation with a rheumatologist.

    Arthroscopy may be performed if indicated. This is an expensive endoscopic research method with which it is possible to assess the condition of the joint structures. The diagnostic procedure is performed under anesthesia and can be traumatic. Before the study, the patient must undergo a urine and blood test and consult with a therapist. Arthroscopy has its contraindications.

    For atroses and arthritis, laboratory tests of the joint fluid are required. Its viscosity, cellular composition, and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms are taken into account.

    Choice of therapy technique

    We managed to figure out which doctor treats arthritis and arthrosis of the joints. How is therapy carried out? It all depends on what kind of pathological process you had to face. So, if the disease is infectious in nature, you cannot do without the use of antibiotics or antiviral drugs. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. In addition, synthetic steroids can be injected into the cavity of the damaged joint.

    After the acute inflammatory process subsides, the specialist prescribes physiotherapeutic procedures. Electrophoresis with analgesics shows good results. After the procedure, pain goes away. With the help of ultraviolet radiation it is possible to reduce swelling, relieve inflammation, and strengthen local immunity. If you have to deal with a complex form of the disease, plasmapheresis may additionally be prescribed. Stem cell therapy may also be performed.

    Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee deserves special attention. Which doctor treats the disease? You can contact a rheumatologist for help. The basis of therapy is the use of fast-acting anti-inflammatory drugs. Diclofenac and Naproxen show good results.

    Any inflammatory process can be easily treated if you seek medical help in a timely manner. Regardless of which doctor treats rheumatoid arthritis, success will depend on the patient. It is important to follow the specialist’s recommendations and take all prescribed medications. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the main symptoms of the disease may subside, but the pathological process will develop into a chronic form.

    Prevention of arthritis consists of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and giving up bad habits. If you develop any infectious disease, you should not refuse qualified medical care.

    Joint inflammation is not something to joke about. If discomfort develops in your elbows or knees, you should make an appointment with an arthrologist. If there is no such specialist in the city, an orthopedist or rheumatologist will help.

    Differences and similarities in the signs, causes, treatment of arthrosis and arthritis

    Arthrosis and arthritis are diseases that affect not only people leading a sedentary lifestyle, but also those for whom movement is a way of life (athletes, theater artists, dancers and others).

    Arthritis, arthrosis: features of pathologies

    Arthritis and arthrosis often appear unexpectedly. Modern people walk little; walking is considered a privilege for wealthy people. As a rule, they try to move little so as not to overwork. A person devotes most of his time to work without thinking about his health.

    The difference between the pathologies under consideration is noticeable in the names “arthritis” and “arthrosis”. According to Latin medical terminology, the suffix “-itis” indicates the presence of inflammation, and the suffix “-oz” indicates the development of a destructive process (it can be degenerative, destructive).

    In addition, joint diseases differ in the following nuances:

  • Age (arthritis is diagnosed in young people whose age ranges from 17 to 50 years). Osteoarthritis develops in people over 50 years of age.
  • The element of the joint where the lesion occurs (arthritis is characterized by damage to the joint capsule, joint fluid. Arthrosis affects the cartilage fibers).
  • Therapy (arthritis is treated with medication, and arthrosis therapy includes treatment with medications and surgery).
  • Arthritis often occurs in the presence of hepatitis C. In this case, extrahepatic manifestations are found. Arthritis affects large joints. To treat the disease, a combination of interferon + ribovirin drugs is often used. Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs and glucocorticoids are also used.

    Types of joint pathologies

    Arthritis comes in different forms. The first symptoms are swelling around the affected joint, pain, and limited mobility. This pathology has a classification:

  • Still's disease;
  • spondylitis;
  • septic arthritis;
  • inflammatory form (this includes rheumatoid, infectious arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis);
  • juvenile idiopathic.
  • Joint damage is often found in women. The disease mainly affects small joints. Gout is often diagnosed in men. This pathology usually affects only one joint (knee, elbow). Rheumatoid arthritis is an aggressive form of pathology, which is characterized by the consumption of cartilage fibers by the body itself.

    Osteoarthritis is called a chronic form of pathology. This disease affects the articular cartilage and other joint structures. Arthritis develops after exposure to physical stress on the joints. The pain appears at the beginning of the movement, then goes away after increasing the load on the joints. If the disease is advanced, the joints become deformed.

    Signs of joint inflammation

    With the development of arthritis, pain in the joint appears during deep sleep. This symptom is observed in the inflammatory form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. If you experience severe pain that can wake you up during a deep sleep, you should consult a doctor.

    If pain appears after performing a specific movement, they speak of arthrosis, inflammation of the tendons.

    Reactive arthritis manifests itself clearly. Damage to the joints is accompanied by inflammation of the dermis of the feet, which manifests itself in redness and the formation of blisters. Unusual discharge from the genitals and loose stools may occur.

    If a person complains of stiffness in the body and wrists in the morning, this indicates the development of ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatoid form of pathology. The reactive/rheumatoid form of the disease is manifested by chills, increased sweating, inflammation of the joints, swelling in the area of ​​the metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints.

    If, when a joint is affected, there is no redness of the dermis, they speak of articular rheumatism. Inflammation and swelling of the joint appears and then goes away. After this, inflammation of the next connection is observed. Alternating inflammation of the joints indicates the development of gouty arthritis, only in this case there is redness in the area of ​​the big toes, joints of the lower leg, and knee.

    When examining the elbow joints, formations similar to small, dense balls are observed. These are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by:

  • lack of appetite;
  • temperature increase;
  • feeling of lethargy;
  • sudden weight loss.
  • If, along with inflammation of the joints, inflammation of the eyes is detected, they speak of a reactive form of the pathology.

    Causes of arthritis, arthrosis

    Arthritis and arthrosis appear under the influence of a number of factors. We will indicate separately the similarities and differences (external and internal). Experts have identified 10 reasons for the occurrence of these pathologies:

  • Joint injury.
  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Excess weight.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Immunological disorders.
  • Congenital tissue diseases (bone, connective).
  • Hypothermia.
  • Physical activity (irrational).
  • Presence of infection.
  • Metabolic disease.
  • The causes of arthritis are:

    • malnutrition, which causes a decrease in immunity. In this case, infectious diseases often arise. Over time, inflammation spreads to the synovial fluid, causing arthritis;
    • hypothermia of the joint under the influence of cold water, snow;
    • injuries (sprains, bruises).
    • Often, joint damage occurs under the influence of several factors simultaneously (overweight, ARVI, smoking, sedentary work).

      Now let's look at the reasons that provoke the occurrence of arthrosis. This joint damage develops under the influence of acquired injuries, metabolic disorders, and hereditary factors.

      Experts have identified 2 forms of arthrosis:

    • Primary, which arose without an obvious reason.
    • Secondary. This form of pathology arose for a certain known reason.
    • Osteoarthritis can develop as a consequence of arthritis. With dystrophy of the synovial fluid, the nutrition of the cartilage tissue is disrupted. This is a metabolic disorder and causes cartilage destruction.

      Similarities and differences in the symptoms of arthrosis, arthritis

      In the development of the diseases under consideration, doctors identify common symptoms. They are presented:

    • swelling;
    • pain syndrome;
    • changing the connection contours;
    • limitation in mobility.
    • In addition to the same symptoms, arthrosis and arthritis have individual ones:

    • The nature of the pain syndrome. With arthritis, it is aching, sharp, and does not depend on movements. With arthrosis, the pain is deep, dull, and appears when moving. If arthrosis is accompanied by inflammation, pain is felt even at rest.
    • Hyperemia. This is a common symptom in arthritis. With arthrosis, redness of the dermis rarely appears.
    • Morning stiffness. Patients with arthritis always feel it; with arthrosis, the discomfort goes away after 20 - 30 minutes.
    • Increase in temperature (general). This is a clear sign of arthritis, not inherent in arthrosis.
    • Crunching, crepitus. This symptom is characteristic of arthrosis.
    • Edema. More often appears with arthritis. With arthrosis, this symptom is rarely observed.
    • Joint deformity. This symptom is characteristic of arthrosis. With arthritis, it may appear only in the later stages.
    • Diagnosis of arthrosis and arthritis

      Often doctors fix arthrosis of such joints as the knee (gonarthrosis), femoral (coxarthrosis), and elbow. This pathology is characterized by pronounced symptoms, so diagnosing such a disease is not difficult. In addition to the physical examination, the patient is prescribed laboratory diagnostics and instrumental examination. These diagnostic methods are necessary to exclude joint diseases similar to arthrosis. In order to differentiate other joint diseases, the doctor prescribes:

    • Blood test (clinical). This test is taken for pain in the joints. With the development of arthrosis, it does not show significant changes. There may be a slight jump in ESR (up to 25 mm). This indicator indicates a complication of the underlying disease with synovitis. If arthritis develops, the analysis will show a sharp jump in ESR (up to 40 - 80 mm). The development of inflammation is indicated by an increase in the number of leukocytes.
    • Blood test (biochemical). Blood sampling is carried out on an empty stomach (blood is taken from a vein). The indicators are normal for arthrosis. If arthritis develops, there is an increase in inflammatory markers (CRP).
    • X-ray examination. After laboratory diagnosis, this is the most popular research method, which helps to establish the degree of development of the disease. But laboratory diagnostics do not reflect the condition of cartilage and soft tissues.
    • Ultrasonography. Using ultrasound, the doctor examines all tissues. But the value of ultrasound is low due to the lack of 100% accuracy. Much depends on the quality of the equipment used and the subjectivity in decoding the image.
    • CT scan. CT is prescribed if there are contraindications to MRI. This diagnostic method is more accurate than x-rays.
    • MRI. This is an expensive diagnostic method. The advantage of the procedure is maximum accuracy, the ability to detect changes in cartilage fibers in the early stages, and making a diagnosis at the beginning of the development of pathology.
    • Treatment of arthrosis and arthritis

      There is a difference in the treatment of arthrosis and arthritis. This is explained by the fact that each pathology is characterized by specific processes in the joint. Arthritis therapy involves eliminating the inflammatory process. Treatment of arthrosis involves the restoration of cartilage tissue. The similarity in treatment is pain relief. If arthrosis develops with an inflammatory process, treatment at the initial stage is aimed at relieving inflammation.

      Treatment of joint diseases is carried out comprehensively; specialists pay special attention to the stages of therapy. After treatment in a hospital (for arthrosis), the patient is recommended to undergo sanatorium-resort treatment. The sanatorium uses physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, and physical therapy.

      In the treatment of arthrosis, orthopedic correction of static disorders is also used. If drug therapy does not bring results, doctors recommend surgical treatment (arthrodesis, arthroplasty).

      For arthritis, treatment is also comprehensive. Physiotherapy and spa treatment are used. Physical therapy is useful in rare cases, and massage is not prescribed for arthritis. If drug treatment does not bring relief, the patient suffers from pain, the doctor prescribes surgical treatment (joint replacement, arthrodesis, synovectomy).

      The following are considered common in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis:

    • The use of painkillers, NSAIDs (Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac).
    • The use of corticosteroids (Triamcinolone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone).
    • Significant differences in treatment include:

    • The use of chondroprotectors in the treatment of arthrosis (glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin). Drugs in this group are not used in the treatment of arthritis.
    • The use of immunomodulatory drugs in the treatment of arthritis (Aurotioprol).
    • The use of muscle relaxants in the treatment of arthrosis (Lidocaine, Skuttamil).
    • The use of immunological agents in the treatment of arthritis (gamma globulin, dried plasma, immunoglobulin).
    • The use of antimalarials in the treatment of arthritis, and sometimes in the treatment of arthrosis (Plaquenil, Delagil).
    • The use of decongestants in the treatment of arthritis (Tavegil, Diphenhydramine).
    • The Institute of Alternative Medicine recommends treating arthritis and arthrosis using homeopathic methods. Homeopathy involves the use of highly diluted doses of drugs that are used to restore the balance between the destruction/restoration of the cartilage tissue of the joint. Homeopaths take into account the modality and localization of inflammation to select a suitable homeopathic remedy.

      Treatment of arthrosis and arthritis using traditional methods

      Various folk recipes are used to treat joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, synovitis, gout). For arthrosis and arthritis, ginger is used. Regular consumption of the product prevents the development of joint pathologies. 60 g of ginger per day is enough. It relieves inflammation of the joint thanks to its biologically active substances.

      The use of ginger for arthritis and arthrosis is recommended in a comprehensive manner (drinking tea, compresses, wraps). This root is effective due to the following properties:

    • Suppression of the development of inflammation.
    • Normalization of intestinal microflora, promoting normalization of metabolism.
    • Restoration of cartilage fibers and joint tissues.
    • Removal of toxins.
    • Strengthening antioxidant protection.
    • Normalization of the immune system.
    • Traditional medicine recommends many remedies to alleviate the condition of joint pathologies. Oat decoction is useful. Oats are used to eliminate pain. Drink an infusion of cereal with the addition of honey three times a day. The product is easy to prepare:

      1. Fill a glass of grains with a liter of water.
      2. Place on low heat.
      3. Cook until it evaporates? part of the water.
      4. Also, for arthritis or arthrosis, drink an infusion of lingonberries, burdock roots, horse sorrel, lilac, and radish.

        Flax seeds are used for arthritis. Flax seed is used to extract flaxseed oil, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, gluten, and fiber. Use the seeds in this way:

      5. The seeds are ground.
      6. Place in cotton cloth.
      7. Soak in hot water (10 minutes).
      8. Apply to the affected area.
      9. Keep the bag until it cools to room temperature.
      10. Traditional therapy is used as an addition to traditional treatment, so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the pathology.

        As a preventive measure, attention should be paid to fitness, any moderate exercise aimed at losing weight. Gymnastics and sports strengthen the muscle corset and improve blood circulation. But when doing fitness, it is important to be careful not to cause complications due to excessive stress on the joints, injury, or improper exercise.

        Prevention also includes performing “joint exercises”. Doctors emphasize exercises in the pool. In this case, when performing gymnastics, there is less stress on the joints than when performing exercises on land.

        In addition to exercise therapy, you should pay attention to nutrition. Doctors have not developed a special diet, but patients with arthrosis and arthritis are advised to adhere to proper nutrition, which includes avoiding red meat and foods with high levels of fat.

        In addition to nutrition, exercise therapy, it is important to maintain a drinking regime. It is recommended, if possible, to increase water consumption to 2 - 3 liters per day. Alcohol is excluded.

        Preventive measures also include:

      11. taking vitamins from group D, A, B;
      12. protection of joints from hypothermia;
      13. calcium intake;
      14. maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
      15. correct sitting;
      16. wearing comfortable shoes;
      17. correct sleep mode;
      18. eliminating stress;
      19. weight control.
      20. Categories : Lower extremity pain

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