The difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are painful joint conditions. Not only humans, but also dogs and horses can suffer from these complaints. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but osteoarthritis and arthritis are definitely not the same. This means that there are also different ways to deal with these joint conditions.

The difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis is that osteoarthritis is related to wear and tear, while arthritis is related to inflammation and resistance. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the wearing away of the cartilage that covers the joints and bones. In arthritis, the joint or joint capsule is inflamed. However, arthritis can eventually lead to osteoarthritis and vice versa.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in the joints is damaged. This cartilage can wear away due to injuries or heavy loading, especially when the loading is repeated frequently. Cartilage repairs very slowly. If the cartilage becomes too thin, the bones that come together at the joint will make contact with each other. The cushioning shock absorbers of cartilage will have worn away, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is also known as rheumatoid arthritis. In arthritis, the pain is caused by inflammation of the joint capsule. The area around the joint, such as a knee, hock, or ankle, will become warm, swollen, and (in humans) red. Arthritis is not caused by wear and tear, but is actually an autoimmune disease.

Relationship between arthritis and osteoarthritis

Although arthritis and osteoarthritis are not the same, one can lead to the other. Arthritis causes inflammation, which can lead to wear and tear, and therefore to osteoarthritis. Conversely, wear and tear from osteoarthritis can also cause inflammation. Often, these two joint conditions go hand in hand.

Preventing osteoarthritis

To prevent wear and tear from osteoarthritis in humans, dogs, and horses, maintaining a healthy weight and appropriate exercise are crucial. Excess weight puts too much pressure on the joints. Good movement and training should not be too heavy or repetitive, but also not too light. For horses, plenty of free movement is very important. It is also important that the building blocks for cartilage are present in sufficient quantities in the diet. The mineral silicon, which stimulates the body's own production of glucosamine, is essential for the joints. Glucosamine is the building block for healthy cartilage and healthy collagen. Bone growth and the production of joint fluid are also partly dependent on the mineral silicon. If your horse or dog has a silicon deficiency, the joints and cartilage will be less strong and flexible. Magnesium is also an important mineral for the joints.

Preventing arthritis

To prevent arthritis as much as possible, a healthy immune system, healthy diet, and sufficient exercise are important. A healthy diet has anti-inflammatory effects. This is especially true for healthy fatty acids, such as Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil.

Supporting osteoarthritis

If your dog or horse already has osteoarthritis, it is important that they continue to move regularly and get enough silicon. This will help keep the cartilage healthy and prevent further breakdown.

Supporting arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is now well treatable but not completely curable. It is important to treat the inflammation of the joints. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication for this. Good natural products that have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties include: black cumin, cannabinoids from cloves, and a herbal extract containing, among other things, boswellia and turmeric. It is good and safe to continue moving with arthritis, even if the joint is swollen or warm. Gentle movement can help prevent and reduce pain and stiffness. Regular movement keeps the muscles in good condition, which helps relieve the joints.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are not the same, but sometimes occur together. A healthy diet, the right minerals and supplements, and healthy movement are important aspects to keep your dog or horse fit and active for longer.