Have you noticed that your joints appear swollen and slightly painful? You may either shake it off as normal pain or might be frightened due to arthritis.  Arthritis and inflammation in joints are often confused with each other. 

When you don’t have arthritis but have been experiencing inflammation and discomfort, it could be due to repetitive use and stiffness. It will resolve on its own without causing any potential damage.

On the other hand, arthritis can occur in anyone, despite age and gender. Research shows that it is one of the common workplace disabilities, causing debilitating joint pain. Therefore Learning the difference between mechanical joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis is important so you can get the appropriate and personalized treatment plan at the right time. 

Read on to know more about Arthritis Vs Joint inflammation!

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain that will impact your daily activities and quality of life. Though incurable, the symptoms are controlled through medication and effective therapeutic measures.  

Joint Inflammation

Joint inflammation is associated with musculoskeletal disorders, from bursitis to arthritis. It usually occurs in the hand, knees, spine or foot and lasts long or intermittently. The swelling is often accompanied by pain and stiffness, causing walking, standing, and other activities more challenging. 

Difference between Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

• Causes

Arthritis refers to conditions that cause immense pain and inflammation. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down, the other two being autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation and joint damage.

In contrast, joint inflammation refers to swelling and redness in the joints, usually due to an injury or infection. It can also be a symptom of a larger condition, such as arthritis or lupus.

• Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis, but the most common ones include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Other symptoms may include decreased range of motion, fatigue, and joint deformity.

Joint inflammation can also cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. However, this condition usually only affects the affected joint, whereas arthritis can affect multiple joints throughout the body.

A doctor may perform a physical exam, take a medical history, and order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to diagnose arthritis. Blood tests are also required to identify inflammation or autoimmunity.

Diagnosing joint inflammation involves a similar process, though the cause of the inflammation is apparent. For instance, joint inflammation caused by an injury is diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging tests. In contrast, joint inflammation caused by an infection is diagnosed through blood tests and other diagnostic tests.

• Treatment Options

Treatment for arthritis typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and DMARDs can slow the condition’s progression.

RICE therapy is recommended for joint inflammation caused by an injury, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Treatment will address the underlying condition, if it is an infection or an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. It may involve antibiotics, antiviral medications for infections, or medications suppressing immune systems for autoimmune diseases.

Prevention and Management

There are various ways to prevent or manage these conditions. Let’s look at them below:

• Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications or changes in daily habits can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Some examples of lifestyle modifications include:

• Quitting Smoking

Smoking is a common cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

• Reducing Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. It’s essential to limit alcohol consumption to get the best outcomes.

• Managing Stress

Chronic stress can cause various health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are some stress-reducing activities you can follow.

• Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for good health, and chronic sleep deprivation can lead to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of several health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help you attain a fit and healthy body weight.

• Dietary Changes

Dietary changes are alterations in food consumption. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Some examples of dietary changes include:

• Eating Various Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can help tackle the risk of various conditions and disorders.

• Limiting Processed and Sugary Foods

Processed and sugary foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients, contributing to obesity and other health problems.

• Lean Protein Sources

Protein is essential for good health. However, some protein sources are high in saturated fat and calories. That’s why it’s better to choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, and legumes to maintain a healthy weight.

• Limiting Sodium Intake

Consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, leading to heart diseases and strokes. You can limit sodium intake by reducing the consumption of processed foods and choosing low-sodium options to reduce the risk of these health problems.

• Drinking Plenty of Water

Drinking enough water is important for good health and can help maintain healthy skin, kidneys, and digestion.

• Exercise and Physical Therapy

Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall health and well-being. Examples of exercise and physical therapy include:

• Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, or cycling, can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Strength Training: Strength training, such as weightlifting, can help maintain muscle mass and bone density and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
• Stretching: Stretching can help improve flexibility and range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance and reduce pain and disability caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Besides the prevention strategies or steps, other alternative and complementary therapies produce good results. Let’s discuss them below:

• Acupuncture

It is an effective alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing. By stimulating specific points along these meridians, acupuncture is thought to help balance the body’s energy and seek relief from internal pain and inflammation.

It is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner, but it may cause mild side effects such as soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the needle insertion site.

• Massage Therapy

A good massage therapy helps relax the muscles and connective tissues to promote relaxation and reduce pain and tension. It may also treat specific conditions such as sports injuries, chronic pain, and migraines.

Massage therapy may involve various techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy. It is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. Though, it may cause mild side effects such as soreness or bruising.

• Herbal Remedies

Simple yet effective herbal remedies can help treat various health conditions. They may be taken orally as supplements, applied topically as creams or ointments, or inhaled as aromatherapy.

However, it is important to note that herbal remedies may interact with prescription medications and may not be safe for everyone. You must consult a healthcare professional before opting for herbal supplements.

• Supplements 

Supplements are taken orally to supplement the diet and provide nutrients to fulfill the lacking nutrients in the body. They may include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other substances.

Some popular supplements include omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, vitamin D for bone health, and probiotics for gut health. 

Conclusion

Though the underlying cause of joint pain could be arthritis, not every stiffness and swelling could result from one of the types of inflammatory arthritis.  However, you might also have a different health issue altogether. Therefore, diagnosing the condition with a specialist as soon as possible is important.

Whatever the cause, if you struggle with joint pain, it will prevent you from living your life to the fullest. An early diagnosis with an orthopaedic specialist will help you to discover the possible causes of your discomfort and follow the effective joint inflammation treatment plan to get control of your joint health and lead an active, healthy life.