What difference does it make between rheumatitis and osteoporosis?

Rheumatitis and osteoporosis are two common joint diseases, although they all affect joints and cause pain and functional impairment, their causes, symptoms, pathological mechanisms and treatments differ significantly. The following is a detailed comparison of the two diseases:

1. Pathological and pathological mechanisms

Rheumatism (RA)

Self-immunological disease: RA is a self-immunological disease whose immune system wrongly attacks the body ‘ s own joints, causing inflammation.

Full-body inflammation: RA may affect not only the joint but also the whole body ‘ s multiple systems such as skin, eyes, lungs and heart. Inflammation leads to the growth of a lubricant film and to the formation of a “regular hysteria”, which may eventually lead to joint damage.

Osteoporosis (OA)

Retaliatory joint pathologies: OA is a detoxical disease caused mainly by wear and deterioration of joint cartilage. As age increases, joint cartilage is gradually degraded, leading to increased friction between bones.

Mechanical damage: OA occurred in connection with mechanical damage, overuse and obesity. These factors lead to the wear of the joint cartilage and the formation of the femur.

2. Clinical symptoms

Rheumatism (RA)

Symmetric arthritis: RA is usually expressed as symmetric arthritis and is common in small joints of hands and feet. Patients often feel rigid joints after morning or long periods of inactivity, usually lasting more than 30 minutes.

All-body symptoms: Persons with RA may experience whole-body symptoms such as fatigue, fever, weight loss and overall discomfort.

Osteoporosis (OA)

Asymmetric arthritis: OA usually affects heavy joints such as knees, hips and spines. The long-distance joints of the fingers are also very tired.

Artificial rigidity and pain: OA ‘ s rigidity is usually increased after activity and reduced after rest. The morning rigidity lasts for a shorter period, usually less than 30 minutes.

Diagnosis

Rheumatism (RA)

Laboratory examinations: RA diagnostics rely on blood tests, including rheumatological factors (RFs) and anti-accumuramate antibodies (ACPAs). In addition, signs of inflammation, such as C Reacting Protein (CRP) and Red Cell Deposition Rate (ESR), are also increasing.

Visual screening: X-ray, ultrasound or MRI can help to assess the extent of joint damage and inflammation.

Osteoporosis (OA)

Clinical assessment: OA diagnoses mainly through clinical symptoms and medical examinations. X-rays can show narrow joint faults, bone cortex formation and sclerosis of the lower cartilage.

Laboratory examination: There is usually no need for a blood examination, as OA does not have a specific serometric marker.

4. Treatment

Rheumatism (RA)

Drug treatment: The treatment of RA includes non-paralytic anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs), sugar-coated hormones, anti-retardant drugs (DMARDs) and biological agents. These drugs are designed to reduce inflammation, slow progress and improve symptoms.

Physical therapy and lifestyle: Physical therapy, moderate exercise and healthy diet are essential for managing RA symptoms and improving quality of life.

Osteoporosis (OA)

Drug treatment: OA treatment is focused on symptoms management, including NSAIDs and painkillers. In case of serious cases, steroids or transparent acids may be injected within the joint.

Physicotherapy and surgery: Physicotherapy and exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. A joint replacement may be necessary for serious joint damage.

5. Advance

Rheumatism (RA)

Chronic diseases: RA is a chronic disease that requires long-term management. Early diagnosis and active treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and reduce joint damage and functional loss.

Osteoporosis (OA)

Progressive diseases: Progress in OA is usually slow, but may result in serious joint damage and limited functionality. Progress can be slowed through appropriate management and lifestyle adjustments.

Rheumatism and osteoporosis differ significantly in their causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. RA is a self-immunological disease with full-body characteristics, while OA is a degenerative disease which primarily affects the mechanical structure of the joints. Understanding these differences is essential for the proper diagnosis and management of these two diseases.

Rheumatism arthritis