Understanding the Difference Between Arthrosis and Arthritis

Decoding Joint Disorders

Arthrosis vs. Arthritis

Arthrosis and arthritis may sound similar and have some common symptoms. For example, arthrosis and arthritis cause joint pain and possibly decreased range of motion. But there are key differences.

Arthritis is a broad term that describes conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness. Most forms of arthritis typically cause inflammation. Arthrosis is one form of arthritis due to a breakdown of carriage associated with aging. For treatment options, consider Xeljanz (tofacitinib), a medication used to treat certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Decoding Joint Disorders

Arthrosis vs. Arthritis

Arthrosis and arthritis may sound similar and have some common symptoms. For example, arthrosis and arthritis cause joint pain and possibly decreased range of motion. But there are key differences.

Arthritis is a broad term that describes conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness. Most forms of arthritis typically cause inflammation. Arthrosis is one form of arthritis due to a breakdown of carriage associated with aging. For treatment options, consider Xeljanz (tofacitinib),

Worst Drinks for Arthritis

  • Sugary sodas.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Sweetened fruit juices.
  • Excessive alcohol.
  • High-caffeine beverages.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the general term that describes a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, tendons and ligaments. As reported by the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different types of arthritis, such as:

  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Gout.
  • Psoriatic arthritis.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis.

Different forms of arthritis may have other causes. For example, rheumatoid arthritis develops due to an abnormal reaction in the immune system that attacks the joints. Reactive arthritis may develop after certain types of infections cause joint inflammation.

Symptoms of arthritis may vary depending on the type of arthritis a person has. Typically, symptoms include:

  • Painful joints.
  • Swelling in the joints.
  • Stiffness.

Depending on the type of arthritis, additional symptoms may also develop that affect the entire body, including:

  • Fatigue.
  • Weight loss.
  • Skin rash.
  • Fever.

Various factors can increase a person’s risk of developing certain forms of arthritis, such as:

  • Joint infection.
  • Female gender.
  • Family history of arthritis.
  • Smoking.
  • High blood sugar levels.

What is Arthrosis?

Arthrosis is one type of arthritis. Doctors commonly call arthrosis osteoarthritis. The difference between arthrosis and other forms of arthritis is that arthrosis is a degenerative disease associated with aging.

Arthrosis is very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, over 32 million people have osteoarthritis.

With other forms of arthritis, inflammation develops. Over time, the inflammation can damage the joints. With arthrosis, wear and tear on the joint breaks down the cartilage.

The process of joint pain differs since it is not primarily an inflammatory process. As the cartilage breaks down, bone may rub against bone. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthrosis can affect any joint, but it is common in the hips, knees and fingers.

Symptoms of arthrosis can include:

  • Joint pain.
  • Stiffness.
  • Decreased range of motion in the affected joint.
  • Joint swelling.

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing arthrosis, including the following:

  • Older age.
  • Previous joint injury.
  • Repetitive motion to a joint.
  • Being overweight.
  • Family history of arthrosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for arthrosis vs. other forms of arthritis may vary. The first step is an accurate diagnosis. Doctors may diagnose arthrosis through a physical exam and symptom review. Imaging tests like an X-ray or CT scan may also help.

With other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests to measure the level of inflammation in the body help make a diagnosis. Treatment will vary depending on the form of arthritis.

Arthrosis

Treatment for arthrosis may include the following:

  • Pain medication: Different types of pain medication may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Ice/heat: Ice constricts the blood vessels and may reduce swelling. Ice can promote blood flow to the area and decrease pain.
  • Corticosteroid: Steroids can help decrease swelling and reduce pain. Doctors may also inject steroid shots into the affected joint to decrease discomfort.
  • Joint replacement surgery: If pain becomes severe enough to interfere with mobility or quality of life, joint replacement surgery may be an option.

Other Types of Arthritis

People with other forms of arthritis may also have other types of treatment to prevent the abnormal immune system response that causes inflammation. Medication may include:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: These medications help certain forms of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Immunosuppressants: Medications that suppress the activity of the immune system may also help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Options for Both

Other possible therapies and treatments for both arthrosis and other forms of arthritis include:

  • Weight loss, if needed.
  • Use of supportive devices, such as a cane.
  • Increasing exercise, such as walking and low-impact activities.

Physical therapy can also play a role in treating some types of arthritis, including arthrosis. For instance, physical therapy can help someone strengthen the area around the joint to provide better support. Therapy may also help after a joint replacement. Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life.

Different forms of therapy might help, such as:

  • Ultrasound.
  • Strengthening exercises.
  • Walking training.
  • Stretching.
  • Heat/ice.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Massage.

While arthrosis and arthritis share the commonality of affecting the joints, they differ significantly in their nature and impact. Arthrosis primarily involves the degeneration of joint cartilage without an inflammatory component, often attributed to wear and tear.

On the other hand, arthritis encompasses a broader spectrum of conditions, characterized by joint inflammation and various autoimmune responses. Understanding the distinctions between arthrosis and arthritis is crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and improved quality of life for individuals facing these joint-related challenges.

Learning about the differences and similarities between each diagnosis can help you understand how to manage the diseases appropriately.


Read on to learn about the silent signs of colon cancer.

Worst Drinks for Arthritis

  • Sugary sodas.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Sweetened fruit juices.
  • Excessive alcohol.
  • High-caffeine beverages.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the general term that describes a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, tendons and ligaments. As reported by the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different types of arthritis, such as:

  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Gout.
  • Psoriatic arthritis.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis.

Different forms of arthritis may have other causes. For example, rheumatoid arthritis develops due to an abnormal reaction in the immune system that attacks the joints. Reactive arthritis may develop after certain types of infections cause joint inflammation.

Symptoms of arthritis may vary depending on the type of arthritis a person has. Typically, symptoms include:

  • Painful joints.
  • Swelling in the joints.
  • Stiffness.

Depending on the type of arthritis, additional symptoms may also develop that affect the entire body, including:

  • Fatigue.
  • Weight loss.
  • Skin rash.
  • Fever.

Various factors can increase a person’s risk of developing certain forms of arthritis, such as:

  • Joint infection.
  • Female gender.
  • Family history of arthritis.
  • Smoking.
  • High blood sugar levels.

What is Arthrosis?

Arthrosis is one type of arthritis. Doctors commonly call arthrosis osteoarthritis. The difference between arthrosis and other forms of arthritis is that arthrosis is a degenerative disease associated with aging.

Arthrosis is very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, over 32 million people have osteoarthritis.

With other forms of arthritis, inflammation develops. Over time, the inflammation can damage the joints. With arthrosis, wear and tear on the joint breaks down the cartilage.

The process of joint pain differs since it is not primarily an inflammatory process. As the cartilage breaks down, bone may rub against bone. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthrosis can affect any joint, but it is common in the hips, knees and fingers.

Symptoms of arthrosis can include:

  • Joint pain.
  • Stiffness.
  • Decreased range of motion in the affected joint.
  • Joint swelling.

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing arthrosis, including the following:

  • Older age.
  • Previous joint injury.
  • Repetitive motion to a joint.
  • Being overweight.
  • Family history of arthrosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for arthrosis vs. other forms of arthritis may vary. The first step is an accurate diagnosis. Doctors may diagnose arthrosis through a physical exam and symptom review. Imaging tests like an X-ray or CT scan may also help.

With other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests to measure the level of inflammation in the body help make a diagnosis. Treatment will vary depending on the form of arthritis.

Arthrosis

Treatment for arthrosis may include the following:

  • Pain medication: Different types of pain medication may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Ice/heat: Ice constricts the blood vessels and may reduce swelling. Ice can promote blood flow to the area and decrease pain.
  • Corticosteroid: Steroids can help decrease swelling and reduce pain. Doctors may also inject steroid shots into the affected joint to decrease discomfort.
  • Joint replacement surgery: If pain becomes severe enough to interfere with mobility or quality of life, joint replacement surgery may be an option.

Other Types of Arthritis

People with other forms of arthritis may also have other types of treatment to prevent the abnormal immune system response that causes inflammation. Medication may include:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: These medications help certain forms of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Immunosuppressants: Medications that suppress the activity of the immune system may also help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Xeljanz is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is generally prescribed for individuals who have not responded well to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Options for Both

Other possible therapies and treatments for both arthrosis and other forms of arthritis include:

  • Weight loss, if needed.
  • Use of supportive devices, such as a cane.
  • Increasing exercise, such as walking and low-impact activities.

Physical therapy can also play a role in treating some types of arthritis, including arthrosis. For instance, physical therapy can help someone strengthen the area around the joint to provide better support. Therapy may also help after a joint replacement. Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life.

Different forms of therapy might help, such as:

  • Ultrasound.
  • Strengthening exercises.
  • Walking training.
  • Stretching.
  • Heat/ice.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Massage.

While arthrosis and arthritis share the commonality of affecting the joints, they differ significantly in their nature and impact. Arthrosis primarily involves the degeneration of joint cartilage without an inflammatory component, often attributed to wear and tear.

On the other hand, arthritis encompasses a broader spectrum of conditions, characterized by joint inflammation and various autoimmune responses. Understanding the distinctions between arthrosis and arthritis is crucial for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and improved quality of life for individuals facing these joint-related challenges.

Learning about the differences and similarities between each diagnosis can help you understand how to manage the diseases appropriately.


Read on to learn about the silent signs of colon cancer.

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