Joint pain can be extremely limiting. Sometimes you hear that people have osteoarthritis, others talk about arthritis. The names sound similar, but they are two different conditions. Because many people wonder: What exactly is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis? we explain it step by step here. This way you better understand what’s happening in your body and can manage your symptoms more consciously.
What you’ll discover in this blog
- What osteoarthritis is
- What arthritis is
- The key differences
- Treatments and what you can do yourself
- How MotiMove helps
- Frequently asked questions
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is often called a wear-and-tear disease. Your joint contains cartilage that acts like a shock absorber. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage becomes thinner and less resilient. The result? Bones rub closer together, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes a grinding sensation.
It’s important to know that osteoarthritis usually develops slowly. It’s common in older adults, but younger people can get it too, for example after an injury or due to overuse.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint. While cartilage wears down in osteoarthritis, arthritis involves an inflammatory process in the joint capsule. This makes the joint red, warm, swollen, and painful.
Arthritis can occur in different ways. Well-known forms include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own joints.
- Gout, where uric acid crystals build up in the joint, causing severe pain and inflammation.
- Infectious arthritis, inflammation caused by a bacterium or virus.
Arthritis can flare up acutely, but it can also be chronic.
Main differences between osteoarthritis and arthritis
To keep things clear, here are the main differences:
- Cause:
- Osteoarthritis: wear of cartilage.
- Arthritis: inflammation of the joint.
- Symptoms:
- Osteoarthritis: mainly stiffness, pain with movement, joint creaking.
- Arthritis: redness, warmth, swelling, pain even at rest.
- Course:
- Osteoarthritis: usually slow and gradual.
- Arthritis: can worsen suddenly or occur in flares.
- Age:
- Osteoarthritis: more common in older adults, but younger people can get it too.
- Arthritis: can occur at any age, even in young adults.
Treatment and what you can do yourself
Although osteoarthritis and arthritis are different, there are similarities in how you manage them. Movement plays a crucial role in both cases. Regular activity keeps your joints flexible, strengthens your muscles, and reduces pain symptoms.
In addition, a doctor may prescribe medication:
- For osteoarthritis, often painkillers or anti-inflammatory gels.
- For arthritis, sometimes powerful anti-inflammatories or even immunosuppressive medications.
Note: It’s always important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor and never start or stop medication on your own.
How can MotiMove help?
Living with osteoarthritis or arthritis isn’t easy, but moving really can make a difference. The MotiMove app supports you:
- You get clear exercise videos specifically developed for people with pain symptoms.
- You’ll learn helpful facts about pain and joints.
- You can track statistics to gain insight into your progress.
This way, moving becomes not just achievable, but also fun and motivating.
Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis and arthritis
Can you have both osteoarthritis and arthritis?
Yes, you can. Some people have both joint wear and inflammation.
Is osteoarthritis always worse in older adults?
Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults, but age isn’t the only factor. Injuries or genetic predisposition can also play a role.
Which foods help against arthritis or osteoarthritis?
A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, omega-3 fatty acids (such as oily fish), and low in sugar can reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
Can movement worsen the symptoms?
No, on the contrary. Movement is very important. Rest rusts! It is important to do this responsibly, however.
So osteoarthritis is wear and tear, arthritis is inflammation. Both cause joint pain, but they require a different approach. With the right guidance and movement, you can reduce your symptoms. And the MotiMove app can help you with this every day.