Most often there is a mix-up Osteoarthritis when in reality they show symptoms that are consistent with it arthritis. For this reason the Rheumatologist Antonio MeraHead of service at the Santiago de Compostela University Hospital Complex in Spain, warns that differentiating these diseases is not a medical formality.
It is a problem that completely affects patients’ quality of life, mobility and, in some cases, even cardiovascular risk.
In a recent interview with La Voz de Galicia: Mera studied how these pathologies manifest themselveswhy they can occur in young people and what warning signs should not be overlooked.
Although they are often mixed together in everyday language, Osteoarthritis And arthritis These are different diseases, each with their own causes, symptoms and consequences.
The Osteoarthritis This is damage to the cartilage that covers the joints. It is a structural process that progresses with age, affecting mobility and causing pain, but does not necessarily have an inflammatory origin. It is more associated with wear and tear and usually occurs in advanced phases of life.
The arthritisOn the other hand, it is an inflammatory disease of the synovial tissue (the inner layer of the joint) and can occur at any age, including childhood.
According to Mera, it is much more aggressive since it is capable of this Destroy jointsact quickly and there will be consequences if not recognized early. The most common diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which usually occur between the ages of 40 and 55.
Before formal diagnoses or imaging studies occur, the body usually gives fairly clear indications. The problem is that they are often minimized or confused with common annoyances.
Therefore, recognizing the early signs is crucial to determining whether it is wear and tear Osteoarthritis or from one inflammatory process such as arthritis, require immediate medical attention.
Mera insists that time is key arthritis If the disease is not treated within the first six months, it can have irreversible consequences. In advanced cases, deformities, ankylosis, and severe limitations can even occur, impairing daily life.
The arthritis Not only does it affect the joints, but it also involves a systemic inflammatory process that can negatively impact overall health. If it is uncontrolled, it accelerates arteriosclerosis and increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
To detect it, blood tests and imaging tests such as joint ultrasound or MRI are performed. Between 70% and 80% of those affected rheumatoid arthritis They have specific antibodies, but their absence does not rule out the disease.
Treatment is usually long-term. With the Drugs With current biologics and targeted therapies, it is becoming increasingly common to achieve longer remissions, which can restore mobility and reduce the impact of the disease on daily life.
In addition to clarifying the difference between Osteoarthritis And arthritisMera warns of another very common illness: osteoporosisa disease that reduces bone mass and weakens the internal structure of the bone.
Unlike arthritis, it doesn’t hurt until the first fracture occurs, which is why it’s called a “silent epidemic.”
In postmenopausal women It is particularly common, but is also more common after the age of 70 and with long-term use of corticosteroids, chronic illnesses or eating disorders. Even astronauts can develop it at an accelerated rate due to the lack of gravity.
According to Mera, that’s not the problem osteoporosis itself, but the break that can occur without warning. The Bone density measurement It is the most important tool for measuring bone mass and predicting risks.
The pain of osteoarthritis and arthritis are not the same. Photo: Freepik 
Arthritis and arthrosis: how to distinguish them. Photo: Freepik 
Older people are particularly affected by arthritis and arthrosis. Photo: Freepik 
