Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: Differences and Similarities
Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are two common bone-related conditions that are often confused due to their similar names, but they affect the body in very different ways.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder that results from cartilage breakdown, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In contrast, osteoporosis is a bone disease that weakens bones, that is not limited to the joint areas, making them fragile and more prone to fractures.
While both conditions are more common with aging and can impact mobility and quality of life, their causes, symptoms, and treatments differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential for proper prevention and management.
Which one is more painful and worse?
Both conditions may be mild, moderate, or severe, but because of the high risk of bone fractures with osteoporosis, some doctors may consider osteoporosis, especially if it is severe, to be the "worse" disease because of a high risk for other fractures. However, "worse" may be seen differently by others, because osteoarthritis pain with joint destruction may be "worse" and more painful for a person over time.
Are osteoarthritis and osteoporosis forms of arthritis?
Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of arthritis that involves both the underlying tissue and the underlying bone of a joint.
- Osteoporosis is mainly a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas.
The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible for one person to have both conditions.
What are the differences in their symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) include the following:
- Pain in the joints like the hands, knee, hips, spine, and/or neck
- Stiffness in joints
- Joint swelling, tenderness, bumps
- Joint deformity
- Limping when walking
- Crackle sounds when the joint is moved
Osteoporosis is termed the "silent disease" because it can progress for years before it is diagnosed. After osteoporosis progresses, compression fractures and other fractures can lead to symptoms. Often a person with osteoporosis does not have symptoms until:
- A bone fracture occurs
- Porous bones are detected by bone density tests or seen incidentally in imaging tests
- Height loss due to spinal bone compression fractures
- Severe back pain
- Change in posture
- Difficulty and/or the inability to walk
What are the differences in their causes?
The following are the main differences in the causes of these diseases:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is mainly caused by overuse or "wear and tear" on the joints.
- Osteoporosis is mainly caused by one or more underlying problems like calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or hormonal changes.
What are their risk factors?
Osteoarthritis (OA) risk factors
- Older age
- Joint injuries
- Repeated stresses to joints
- Obesity
- Bone deformities
- Genetics (family history)
- Gender (females have higher risk of OA)
Osteoporosis risk factors
Most of the risk factors for osteoporosis are the same as for osteoarthritis like older age, being female, and genetics (family history), but others include the following:
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Bone fracture after age 40
- Menopause
- Low calcium and/or low vitamin D intake
- Other medical conditions like hyperthyroidism
Home remedies to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
Home remedies for osteoarthritis
Natural home remedies that have been proposed or reported as having some benefit for pain relief of osteoarthritis include the following:
- Hot and cold compresses
- Epsom salt baths
- OTC (over-the-counter) medications
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Regular exercise
- Weight loss in case of
Home remedies for osteoporosis
The following are home remedies for osteoporosis pain:
- Diet intake of foods high in calcium and vitamin D
- Diet intake of plant estrogens (such as soy), in case of menopause
- Hot and cold compresses
- Braces and supports
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
Prognosis
There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease that can be slowed but not completely stopped
- Osteoporosis may be stopped completely if diagnosed and treated with medicine (bisphosphonates) early in the disease.
- Mobility and pain outcomes for both can be vastly improved by proper exercises, weight loss and abstaining from risk-factors like smoking and alcohol
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Medical Review: This article is written by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health) and has been medically reviewed by Dr Rashi Goel (Senior Physiotherapist at Zanskar Health). This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
