Osteoporosis vs. osteoarthritis: What's the difference?

[Mark_ABH]

Many people confuse the terms "osteoporosis" and "osteoarthritis." They are very different conditions that are diagnosed and treated in very different ways. It is true, however, that they have two major risk factors in common: age and gender. It is possible to have both of these conditions, and treatment for one can be complicated by the other.

We wanted to share this very informative article with our members, since we do from time to time see questions on this forum about osteoarthritis, which is outside of our scope. We hope this will help clear up any confusion!

health.usnews.com/condition...

[HeronNS]

Nice clear article. Would you consider "pinning" it?

[Mark_ABH in reply to HeronNS]

Done!

[Kaarina]

There is a little typo in the your first sentence! I thought I was going mad!

[Mark_ABH in reply to Kaarina]

Fixed! Thank you, and good catch.

[Hidden]

Very informative and helpful. Thank you for sharing it. I have both "osteos" and just to complicate things, also have the autoimmune Rheumatoid Arthritis which is more than 'just' arthritis.

[Mark_ABH in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing. That is a lot to deal with! We also know that rheumatoid arthritis is often linked with secondary osteoporosis since many RA sufferers take steroidal medicines, which can cause bone loss etc.

[Hidden]

I have taken steroids for RA, but also for cancer , Bronchiectasis exacerbations and Vasculitis. I also have inhalers with steroids in. No hope for me was there.