What is the difference between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis?

Medically Reviewed by Checkmark Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Sravanthi Sunkaraneni
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Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are two prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite their similar-sounding names and their connection to bones, these conditions are fundamentally distinct and require different approaches to diagnosis, management, and treatment. This article aims to shed light on the difference between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, the smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions the ends of bones within joints. Over time, the cartilage undergoes wear and tear, resulting in friction between bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility. Commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Age, joint overuse, injury, and genetics are significant risk factors for osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is characterised by pain and stiffness in the affected joint, which becomes more pronounced after periods of inactivity or overuse. Swelling and tenderness around the joint area are common symptoms, along with a noticeable reduction in the joint’s range of motion and flexibility. Additionally, osteoarthritis can lead to the development of bone spurs, which are extra bony growths around the affected joint, further contributing to discomfort and limited mobility.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, is a bone disease characterised by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. As a result, bones become weak, fragile, and susceptible to fractures, even with minor falls or bumps. Osteoporosis itself is not typically fatal, but it may become life-threatening if not managed properly. Osteoporosis primarily affects older adults, particularly women after menopause, but it can also occur in men and younger individuals with certain risk factors such as hormonal imbalances, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone fractures that occur with minimal trauma or without any apparent cause, making the bones extremely fragile. Over time, individuals with osteoporosis may experience a loss of height and a stooped posture (kyphosis) as a result of compression fractures in the spine. Additionally, back pain is a common symptom of osteoporosis, primarily caused by vertebral fractures that weaken the spinal structure.

How osteoarthritis is different from osteoporosis?

The key distinguishing factors between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis lie in the affected tissue and the nature of the conditions. Osteoarthritis primarily targets the cartilage within the joints, leading to joint-specific symptoms such as pain and stiffness. On the other hand, osteoporosis affects the density and strength of the bones themselves, resulting in fractures and changes in overall posture. Furthermore, osteoarthritis is classified as a degenerative joint disease, while osteoporosis is categorized as a metabolic bone disorder. Both conditions appear similar, and some individuals can have both at the same time. Though both conditions may cause pain, their symptoms and presentations are quite different, with osteoarthritis primarily impacting the joints and osteoporosis mainly characterized by postural changes. However, because osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture, it is considered riskier than osteoarthritis.

Moreover, a (2013) study that analysed the relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis found both are inversely related to one another which means an increased risk of osteoarthritis decreases the chance of osteoporosis. However, this might not be applicable to all cases globally.

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Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Aditi Gangal

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Aditi Gangal
Aditi Gangal
A science graduate by education and a content writer by profession, Aditi prefers doing research and analysis at THIP. With a keen eye for detail, she works as a responsible fact checker who sincerely analyses fake news. A proactive and confident writer, she enjoys writing on health and wellbeing.
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