Arthritis and arthralgia are each linked to joints, however they aren’t identical. Listed below are some key variations between arthritis and arthralgia.When there may be ache within the joints, two phrases pop up in our thoughts – arthritis and arthralgia. The 2 circumstances could also be related to joint ache, however there are variations between the 2. Whereas arthritis entails joint irritation, resulting in ache, arthralgia presents joint ache with out irritation. Proper from signs to causes, learn on to know in regards to the variations between arthritis and arthralgia.What’s arthritis?Arthritis is a broad time period that refers to irritation of a number of joints, inflicting ache, swelling, stiffness, and diminished vary of movement. There are greater than 100 forms of arthritis, with the most typical being osteoarthritis, in keeping with a analysis printed within the StatPearls in 2023. Osteoarthritis entails the breakdown of cartilage within the joints, says orthopaedician Dr Yugal Karkhur. Arthritis referring to irritation of a number of joints. Picture courtesy: FreepikWhat is arthralgia?Arthralgia is a time period used to explain joint ache with out irritation, and if it ache in a number of joints then it’s known as polyarthralgia. It may happen as a result of numerous causes similar to harm, overuse, or underlying medical circumstances, however in contrast to arthritis, there isn’t a swelling or redness current within the affected joint.What are the variations between arthritis and arthralgia?It’s true that the connection between arthritis and arthralgia lies of their manifestation of joint ache. Nevertheless, arthralgia can generally precede arthritis, says the knowledgeable. Listed below are some variations:1. SymptomsArthritis: The signs of arthritis embrace joint ache, swelling, stiffness, diminished vary of movement, heat, and redness.Arthralgia: Indicators of arthralgia are joint ache with out swelling, redness, or heat.Additionally Read2. CausesArthritis: It may be brought on by numerous elements together with harm, an infection, autoimmune problems, or put on and tear of joints.Arthralgia: It’s usually brought on by harm, overuse, pressure, or underlying medical circumstances like fibromyalgia or lupus. It can be a aspect impact of most cancers remedies, together with Chemotherapy.3. DiagnosisArthritis: It’s identified via bodily examination, medical historical past, imaging exams (X-rays, MRI), and blood exams (e.g. rheumatoid issue for rheumatoid arthritis).Arthralgia: Its prognosis entails evaluating the affected person’s medical historical past, conducting a bodily examination, and ruling out different potential causes of joint ache.4. Threat factorsArthritis: Threat elements embrace age, genetics, weight problems, earlier joint accidents, and sure occupations involving repetitive joint actions.Arthralgia: Threat elements embrace joint overuse, earlier joint accidents, age, and underlying medical circumstances. Arthralgia could result in diminished mobility. Picture courtesy: Freepik5. ComplicationsArthritis: It may result in joint harm, deformity, incapacity, and diminished high quality of life.Arthralgia: Whether it is left untreated, it might result in power joint ache and diminished mobility.6. TreatmentArthritis: Remedy entails drugs (ache relievers, anti-inflammatories), bodily remedy, way of life modifications (train, weight administration), assistive units, and in extreme instances, surgical procedure (joint substitute).Arthralgia: Remedy consists of relaxation, ice or warmth remedy, over-the-counter ache relievers, light workout routines, sustaining a wholesome weight, and avoiding actions that worsen joint ache.Choose Subjects of your curiosity and allow us to customise your feed. PERSONALISE NOWCan an individual have arthritis and arthralgia on the identical time?Sure, an individual can expertise each arthritis and arthralgia concurrently, says Dr Karkhur. Arthralgia could precede the event of arthritis or happen concurrently with it. In some instances, joint ache with out irritation could also be an early symptom of arthritis, particularly in circumstances like rheumatoid arthritis the place joint irritation develops over time.You need to attain out to a physician in case you really feel intense ache in joints after an harm. Sudden joint swelling otherwise you lack of ability to maneuver your joint additionally means you must name your physician. Correct prognosis and administration by docs are important to deal with each the circumstances successfully and enhance the standard of life.