Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis: Two Bone Diseases That Are Often Confused
Many people confuse osteoporosis with osteoarthritis. Both sound similar because they have the prefix "osteo," which means bone. However, they differ significantly in their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density. This condition causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture. Fractures due to osteoporosis often occur in the hip, wrist, or spine. Interestingly, osteoporosis is called a "silent disease" because it does not cause symptoms until a fracture happens.
The main risk factors for osteoporosis are age and gender. Women, especially those who have entered menopause, are at higher risk due to decreased production of estrogen—an important hormone that helps maintain bone density. Additionally, smoking and the use of certain medications, such as breast cancer drugs, can raise the risk.
X-rays and bone density scans are commonly performed to detect osteoporosis. The most common symptoms are a hunched posture, loss of height, and severe back pain.
A healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining bone health. Exercise such as walking, running, jumping, and weightlifting are very beneficial. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is also crucial for strengthening bones. Women over 50 are advised to consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily, while men need the same amount at age 70.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, primarily affecting adults over 55. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in a joint begins to wear down or become damaged. Without this cushioning, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis does not only affects the joints but also the surrounding tissue, causing swelling and inflammation. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and the development of bone spurs, or extra bony growths that are usually painless.
This condition tends to worsen over time, causing limited mobility and reducing the sufferer's quality of life. Although osteoarthritis is incurable, it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and, in more severe cases, joint replacement surgery.
Treatment and prevention
Osteoporosis can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as paying attention to calcium and vitamin D intake and doing regular weight-bearing exercise.
In some cases, medications are also needed to reduce the risk of fractures. In more serious cases, fractures due to osteoporosis, particularly in the hip, need surgery, such as a hip replacement or the use of pins and plates.
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is treated through a combination of treatments that include joint protection, reducing the workload on the joint, exercise, pain relievers, and heat and cold therapy. Controlling excess weight with a healthy lifestyle is also needed to reduce the burden on the joints. If the condition is severe, knee or hip replacement surgery may be the best option.
Keeping bones and joints healthy
Exercise is one of the best ways to keep bones and joints healthy. For people with osteoporosis, weight-bearing exercises such as walking and weight lifting are very beneficial for maintaining bone density.
Meanwhile, for people with osteoarthritis, the type of exercise must be adjusted to the severity of the disease. Light exercise such as swimming or cycling can help maintain joint flexibility without putting excessive pressure on it.
In addition to exercise, a balanced diet high in calcium and vitamin D is also essential. Reducing the consumption of inflammatory foods and increasing plant-based foods can help people with osteoarthritis.
Equally important, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing both diseases.
What is the most crucial step? Prevent falls and injuries. Broken bones or joint injuries can worsen the condition and affect long-term mobility.
Although often confused, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two different diseases. Osteoporosis affects the bones, making them brittle and prone to fractures, while osteoarthritis affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Both can be treated with lifestyle changes, exercise, and proper medical care. The earlier you detect the symptoms and take preventive steps, the better your chances of maintaining mobility and a good quality of life.
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