Distinguish between Osteoporosis and Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
People most commonly confuse osteoporosis and arthritis but in fact, they are two different conditions that take different physiological route. This article will closely examine and compare osteoporosis and arthritis.
What is Osteoporosis?
It is a medical condition wherein the bones become brittle and weak. People suffering from osteoporosis can suffer from a fracture even from a simple fall, mild stress, and even bending over. It affects mostly the bones in the hips, knees, wrist, and vertebrae. Osteoporosis is caused by the disruption of bone-building process. The formation of new bone cells can no longer keep up with the destruction of old bone cells. Thus, this …show more content…
It is a systemic disease which not only damages the joints but may also affect other vital organs like the heart and lungs.
Osteoarthritis (OA) – This type of arthritis is caused by damage on the cartilage that lines the joints. This results to frictional damage on the joint tissues which in manifests as stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. It is most commonly seen as a result of overuse of the joints like those involve in sports and other weight bearing activities
How do they differ?
Here are some of the defining differences of osteoporosis and arthritis. They are categorized to causes, general symptoms, treatment, and pain symptoms.
Osteoporosis affects the bones while arthritis affects the joints, cartilage, and other surrounding tissues.
Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones while arthritis causes inflammation of the joints.
Patient’s with osteoporosis does not usually suffer from arthritis, but patients with arthritis (specifically rheumatoid arthritis) can develop osteoporosis because some of the drugs indicated for RA affects bone density.
Cause of the disease …show more content…
The pharmacological approach includes taking Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid therapy, and enzyme therapy if indicated. Treatment for arthritis also focuses on reducing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Regular exercise is also advised to stimulate blood flow, strengthen joint supporting muscles, and improve joint flexibility. Warm compress is also encouraged to help reduce joint inflammation and stiffness. Diet modification includes avoiding pro-inflammatory foods like processed meats, sweets, alcohol, and those rich in trans-fatty acids. Foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties like green tea, turmeric, ginger and willow bark are excellent choices for joint pain
People most commonly confuse osteoporosis and arthritis but in fact, they are two different conditions that take different physiological route. This article will closely examine and compare osteoporosis and arthritis.
What is Osteoporosis?
It is a medical condition wherein the bones become brittle and weak. People suffering from osteoporosis can suffer from a fracture even from a simple fall, mild stress, and even bending over. It affects mostly the bones in the hips, knees, wrist, and vertebrae. Osteoporosis is caused by the disruption of bone-building process. The formation of new bone cells can no longer keep up with the destruction of old bone cells. Thus, this …show more content…
It is a systemic disease which not only damages the joints but may also affect other vital organs like the heart and lungs.
Osteoarthritis (OA) – This type of arthritis is caused by damage on the cartilage that lines the joints. This results to frictional damage on the joint tissues which in manifests as stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. It is most commonly seen as a result of overuse of the joints like those involve in sports and other weight bearing activities
How do they differ?
Here are some of the defining differences of osteoporosis and arthritis. They are categorized to causes, general symptoms, treatment, and pain symptoms.
Osteoporosis affects the bones while arthritis affects the joints, cartilage, and other surrounding tissues.
Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones while arthritis causes inflammation of the joints.
Patient’s with osteoporosis does not usually suffer from arthritis, but patients with arthritis (specifically rheumatoid arthritis) can develop osteoporosis because some of the drugs indicated for RA affects bone density.
Cause of the disease …show more content…
The pharmacological approach includes taking Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid therapy, and enzyme therapy if indicated. Treatment for arthritis also focuses on reducing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Regular exercise is also advised to stimulate blood flow, strengthen joint supporting muscles, and improve joint flexibility. Warm compress is also encouraged to help reduce joint inflammation and stiffness. Diet modification includes avoiding pro-inflammatory foods like processed meats, sweets, alcohol, and those rich in trans-fatty acids. Foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties like green tea, turmeric, ginger and willow bark are excellent choices for joint pain