We are now using the term “arthritis” in a wider sense to replace the term “rheumatism” which encompasses more than a hundred disorders, including osteoarthritis so we understand the distinction between these two diseases. However, here we focus on recognizing the difference between the two forms of arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Simply put, arthritis is an inflammatory disease while osteoarthritis is a mechanical disease. The evolution and treatment of each disease are quite different.
Arthritis comes from the term “arth” meaning joints while “itis” means inflammation. In the case of arthritis it is the swelling that causes damage and pain to the joints. This inflammation is mainly caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the tissues of the joints. Progression of this disease can be extremely rapid and aggressive and strike at any age. The so-called inflammatory arthritis encompasses a wide spectrum of pathologies like:
Joint pain caused by arthritis is usually felt at rest and decreases as you resume your physical activities. For example, a woman feeling joint pain in her hands at night, but feels relief when she wakes up and resumes her activities probably shows signs of arthritis.
The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) describes osteoarthritis as the body’s failed attempt to repair damaged joint tissues. This is a mechanical disease, since it causes cartilage wear and tear. When this elastic but strong material that protects the ends of the bones wears away, it leads to bone friction, pain, stiffness and swelling.
Age remains the most common cause of osteoarthritis, followed by injuries, overuse of joints from physical work and intense sport. Thus, the movable joints, such as the knee, the hip or the spinal column are most at risk of developing this condition. Unlike arthritis, osteoarthritis usually develops gradually. However, this is the most common arthritic condition, with one in six Canadian adults report having it.
Unlike arthritis, joint pain associated with osteoarthritis will be felt during movement and will decrease at rest. For example, left knee pain of a 50-year-old person that is made worse when walking or running will probably mean osteoarthritis.
It is important to understand that we cannot completely cure an arthritic condition. In both cases, these untreated chronic conditions can lead to disabling pain. Depending on the stage and severity of inflammatory arthritis, the doctor will usually prescribe drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The treatment can also be combined with anti-inflammatory drugs. In all cases, the medications prescribed for inflammatory arthritis are not used for osteoarthritis. Since osteoarthritis is a mechanical disease, it is very important to prevent the articular cartilage wear and tear:
Three clinical studies have proven that AminoLock® Collagen regenerates cartilage and helps relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Genacol Optimum, the 4 in 1 liquid solution, combines this exclusive ingredient with other essential elements to help maintain joint health:
The results obtained by thousands of people demonstrate the effectiveness of this product. A healthy lifestyle and the intake of Genacol Optimum will be the key to fighting osteoarthritis naturally.
So now… Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?
You have all the elements to demystify the issue!
