How are Arthritis and Sciatica Different?

Arthritis and sciatica contribute to chronic pain but are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Knowing which one you’re dealing with is the first step in relieving your pain.

Bradley A. Silva, MD, and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center treat both conditions here in Kenosha, Wisconsin, so if you’re dealing with pain, we encourage you to visit us. Dr. Silva can pinpoint the source of your pain and create the right treatment plan for you.

In the meantime, take a moment to learn more about both conditions and the warning signs of each one.

What is arthritis?

Did you know the word “arthritis” translates to joint inflammation? “Arthr-” means “joint,” and “-itis” means “inflammation of.” In other words, arthritis refers to joint inflammation.

When your joints become inflamed, you might notice symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

The most common of over 100 types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops from wear and tear on your joints. It can progress in any joint, but most people develop it in their knees, hips, hands, or spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where your immune system damages your joints, typically affects parallel joints, meaning both knees or ankles.

Regardless of which type of arthritis you have, pain typically worsens with joint use or after periods of inactivity.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica isn’t a condition but a symptom of an underlying issue, like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, that irritates your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg. Sciatica is an inflammation of this nerve.

You might suspect you’re dealing with sciatica if your pain:

Radiates along the sciatic nerve path
Feels sharp, burning, or like an electric shock
Often accompanies tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg

Unlike arthritis, sciatica is rooted in nerve compression, not joint inflammation.

How are these two conditions different?

Arthritis and sciatica vary in their:

Location of pain

Arthritis pain is localized in your affected joints, while sciatica pain radiates along the back and leg.

Cause of pain

Arthritis stems from joint inflammation, whereas sciatica results from nerve compression. If you have symptoms of both conditions, your arthritis may contribute to your sciatica.

For example, osteoarthritis in your spine can contribute to sciatica if the degeneration of the cartilage and discs in your spine compress your sciatic nerve.

Symptoms

Arthritis leads to stiffness and swelling in joints; sciatica causes radiating nerve pain with potential numbness or tingling.

Again, if you have spine arthritis that leads to sciatica, you likely experience symptoms of both conditions simultaneously.

Treatments

The approach to treatment for arthritis and sciatica vary.

Arthritis treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, joint injections, and lifestyle changes like weight management and exercise. You may benefit from replacement surgery if your joint is severely damaged or limits mobility.

Sciatica treatment focuses on addressing the underlying nerve compression and may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural steroid injections, or, in rare cases, surgery.

When to seek help for chronic pain

Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Silva if you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness, or radiating leg pain. The Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center can clarify your symptoms and help you find relief.

Depending on which condition you have, Dr. Silva may recommend:

Medication
Physical therapy
Epidural steroid injections
Joint injections
Chiropractic care
Surgery to release pressure on your nerves
Assistive devices
Weight loss

Don’t let arthritis or sciatica hold you back! Call 262-484-4035 to explore your treatment options. Or, use our online scheduling system and take the first step toward relief today!