Osteoporosis affects bone density and strength, whereas osteoarthritis affects the joints and cartilage of the limbs. Both are categorised under bone conditions, however, osteoporosis is more focused on the bone itself, while osteoarthritis is focused on joint movement. Although it’s possible to have both conditions, some patients only suffer from one or the other.
According to Arthritis & Osteoporosis Western Australia, osteoarthritis is significantly more prevalent in Australia compared to osteoporosis. Projections indicate that by 2040, over 3.11 million Australians will suffer from this painful (and often debilitating) illness.
At Align HC, we assist patients suffering from both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Because the prevalence of these illnesses is on the rise, we’ve created a guide explaining the differences between these two conditions. This will help you to distinguish which condition you’re dealing with, and what you can do in terms of treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Osteoporosis affects your bones, making them weak and easy to break.
- Osteoarthritis damages the cartilage in your joints, causing pain and stiffness.
- Women over age 50 have the highest risk of osteoporosis, with 1 in 3 developing it, compared to 1 in 5 men aged over 50.
- Regular exercise helps with regulating both conditions.
- Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help with managing both conditions.
What is the Main Difference Between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis?
The main difference is that osteoporosis affects bones, while osteoarthritis affects the joints. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile, making them more likely to break. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes the cartilage to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?
The main symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, gradual shortening of the body, and bones that fracture easily. After some time, you may display a stooped posture and struggle to stand up. You may also find it difficult to grip things with your hands without experiencing pain.
| Symptom | Description | When It Occurs | Possible Area Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Pain | Aching or soreness in joints | Often in the morning or after rest | Knees, hands, wrists, ankles |
| Joint Stiffness | Difficulty moving joints freely | Especially after waking up | Fingers, hips, knees |
| Swelling | Visible puffiness around joints | Can occur throughout the day | Ankles, hands, feet |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired or drained | Persistent even with rest | Whole body |
| Warmth in Joints | Joints feel hot to the touch | Often during flare-ups | Wrists, elbows, knees |
| Reduced Range of Motion | Trouble bending or straightening joints fully | While doing daily activities | Shoulders, fingers, hips |
| Joint Tenderness | Joints hurt when touched or pressed | Constant or with pressure | Knuckles, toes, knees |
| Muscle Weakness | Muscles around joints feel weaker | Gradual or sudden onset | Arms, legs, hands |
What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, general stiffness when moving, and swelling at the joint areas. There’s also pain associated with moving, and a grating feeling when moving joints because of a lack of cartilage. Osteoarthritis also causes the bones to over-develop at the joint areas (bone spurs).
| Symptom | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Pain | Pain in the affected joints | Can make movement difficult |
| Stiffness | Reduced flexibility in the joints | Limits range of motion |
| Swelling | Inflammation around the joint | Can cause discomfort and tenderness |
| Tenderness | Sensitivity when touching the joint | Affects ability to touch or move |
| Decreased Flexibility | Difficulty moving the joint smoothly | Limits everyday activities |
| Crunching or Grating | Sensation of bones rubbing together | Can be heard or felt during movement |
| Joint Instability | Feeling of the joint being weak | Increases risk of falls or injury |
| Bone Spurs | Bony growths around the joint | Can cause pain and restrict movement |
What are the Causes of Osteoporosis Compared to Osteoarthritis?
Osteoporosis happens when your bones lose mass and become weak, making them break easily. Aging, hormone changes, and genes cause this condition. In contrast, osteoarthritis occurs when the cushiony cartilage in your joints wears down, usually from joint damage, inflammation, or abnormal joint structure.
When you have osteoporosis, your bone breaks down faster than it rebuilds, creating tiny holes inside. You won’t see these changes until you break a bone. Several factors increase your risk:
- Low estrogen in women after menopause or low testosterone in men
- Natural bone loss that starts around age 30
- Family members who have had osteoporosis
- Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not exercising
- Some medications like steroids
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage that cushions your joints. Unlike osteoporosis, it involves mechanical damage and develops when:
- Your joint cartilage wears away over time
- You’ve injured a joint in the past
- Inflammation damages your cartilage
- Extra weight puts pressure on your joints
- You were born with joint problems
What Treatments are Available to Patients with Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis?
Doctors treat osteoporosis by stopping bone loss and building bone strength with medications, calcium, and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise. For osteoarthritis, treatments focus on reducing your pain and helping your joints work better through pain relievers, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
For osteoporosis, you can speak to your qualified healthcare professional about:
- Medications to slow bone breakdown, stop bone loss, and build new bone matter
- Hormone therapy if you’re a woman past menopause
- Taking enough calcium (1,000 to 1,200 mg daily) and vitamin D (600 to 800 IU daily)
- Exercises that make you work against gravity
- Making your home safer to prevent falls
For osteoarthritis, you can speak to your qualified healthcare professional about:
- Pain medications and creams to apply to your skin
- Working with a physical therapist
- Using braces or canes
- Joint replacement surgery if needed
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
- Low-impact exercises like swimming or walking
Contact Align HC to find out about the treatments we offer for both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Our team is caring and understanding when it comes to the difficulties related to these two illnesses, and we’ll do our best to help you as best we can.
Osteoporosis vs Osteoarthritis FAQs
Who is most at risk to develop osteoporosis?
If you’re a woman aged over 50, especially after menopause, you face the highest risk of osteoporosis. About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will develop this condition. Your risk is higher if you have a small, thin body or if your family members have had osteoporosis.
Other factors that increase the development of osteoporosis include:
- Being a white or Asian woman
- Having an overactive thyroid
- Taking steroid medications for a long time
- Not taking in enough calcium
- Smoking tobacco or drinking too much alcohol
- Having an eating disorder
Is exercise good for someone with osteoarthritis?
Yes, the right kinds of exercise are good for someone with osteoarthritis. Regular, moderate activity keeps your joints flexible, strengthens your muscles, and can reduce your pain. Try exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking. Light weightlifting to build muscle is also beneficial, as well as stretching to improve flexibility.
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
No, osteoporosis can’t always be prevented, because the onset is usually due to genetics or uncontrollable predispositions. However, you can lower your risk of developing osteoporosis:
- Eat enough calcium and vitamin D throughout your life
- Do regular weight-bearing exercises
- Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol
- Keep a healthy weight
Can diet be used to manage osteoarthritis?
Yes, you can make dietary changes to manage your osteoporosis, although this will not cure it:
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods like fish, olive oil, nuts, fruits, and vegetables
- Choose foods rich in antioxidants like colourful fruits and vegetables
- Include omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds
- Limit processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats
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