Two joint diseases, but two distinct mechanisms
Osteoarthritis and arthritis are two joint conditions that are frequently confused. Both cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort when moving, but their causes, progression, and treatments are radically different.
Dr. Coulin emphasizes the importance of not confusing them: a good diagnosis is the condition for appropriate and effective treatment.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. As this cartilage deteriorates, the bones rub against each other, causing mechanical pain, stiffness, and sometimes joint deformity.
It mainly affects :
- Knees, hips, hands and spine.
- People over 50.
- Stressed or misaligned joints.
It is a chronic, non-inflammatory disease that progresses gradually. It cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be relieved and its worsening slowed with appropriate treatment.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis refers to joint inflammation, whether autoimmune, infectious, or metabolic in origin. It does not result from wear and tear, but from a disruption of the immune system which attacks joint tissue.
The most common forms :
- Rheumatoid polyarthritis,
- Psoriatic arthritis,
- Infectious or reactive arthritis,
- Gout (microcrystalline arthritis)
Arthritis can occur at any age. It causes inflammatory pain (at rest, at night), joint swelling, and prolonged morning stiffness. His treatment is based on a targeted medical approach, often in connection with a rheumatologist.
How to tell the difference?
To differentiate the two pathologies, here are the essential criteria to observe :
| Criteria | Osteoarthritis | Arthritis |
| Mechanism | Mechanical wear of cartilage | Inflammation of the joint |
| Age | Especially after 50 years old | At any age, often young adult |
| Type of pain | Mechanical (during exercise, at the end of the day) | Inflammatory (at rest, at night) |
| Stiffness | Brief, after the immobility | Prolonged, especially in the morning |
| Affected joints | Knees, hips, spine, hands | Small joints, wrists, ankles |
| Swelling | Rare or moderate | Frequent, with warmth and redness |
| Evolution | Slow, gradual | By pushes, variable |
| Treatment | Mechanical, regenerative or surgical | Medical (anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants) |
Why is this distinction essential ?
Confusing these two diseases risks :
- To miss out on an inflammatory or autoimmune pathology.
- To adopt an inappropriate or even useless treatment.
- To delay the implementation of an essential background treatment.
- To misguide the patient in their care pathway.
Dr. Coulin works closely with rheumatologists to ensure a reliable diagnosis and a personalized treatment strategy.
Do you experience persistent joint pain, whether at rest or during exercise ?
Dr. Coulin will see you in Geneva to establish a clear diagnosis, analyze your imaging tests, and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment, whether medical, regenerative, or surgical.
