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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Arthritis and Tendonitis?

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Arthritis and tendonitis are both musculoskeletal conditions that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. However, there are key differences between the two:

  1. Location of inflammation: Arthritis is caused by joint inflammation, while tendonitis affects the tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscle to bone.
  2. Causes: Arthritis is most commonly due to natural wear and tear that comes with aging, while tendonitis is usually the result of overuse or injury during physical activities.
  3. Symptoms: Tendonitis typically causes localized pain around a joint area, along with tenderness when pressure is applied to the affected area. In contrast, arthritis symptoms may include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
  4. Treatment: Treatment for arthritis often includes restorative therapies such as physical and occupational therapy, as well as medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying drugs. Tendonitis treatment usually consists of rest, pain relief medications, and physical therapy.

It is essential to understand the differences between arthritis and tendonitis to receive the most effective treatment. If you are experiencing joint pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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  • What is the Difference Between Arthritis and Tendonitis?
  • Comparative Table: Arthritis vs Tendonitis

    • Comparative Table: Arthritis vs Tendonitis

    Arthritis and tendonitis are both rheumatic disorders that affect the joints, bones, and soft tissues of the body. They share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

    Feature Arthritis Tendonitis
    Definition Inflammation of one or more joints Inflammation of a tendon, which is a connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone
    Types Osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis) No specific types, but can affect any tendon in the body
    Causes Osteoarthritis: "wear-and-tear" of joints over time, age, and weight. Inflammatory arthritis: autoimmune disorder. Tendonitis: overuse, repetitive movements, sports injuries, poor posture, diabetes, infections, and other factors
    Symptoms Joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Pain and stiffness that gets worse when moving, pain may be felt more at night.
    Treatment Medications to reduce pain and inflammation, topical creams or ointments, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biological agents, physical therapy, and surgery in some cases. Treatment depends on the severity and cause, but may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, pain medications, and physical therapy.
    Location Affects joints, with over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Affects tendons, which can be located near joints or elsewhere in the body.

    While arthritis and tendonitis can both cause pain and inflammation, they are distinct conditions that impact different tissues in the body. The treatment for each condition also varies, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.