What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are both conditions that affect millions of Americans. While they may sound similar, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis affect the body in very different ways. One thing that they both have in common is that they have the potential to cause pain and discomfort, as well as a loss of flexibility and mobility in the body.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes the bones in the body to degenerate over time, making them more brittle and prone to breaking. While an estimated 10 million people in the United States suffer from osteoporosis, the disease overwhelmingly affects women more than men. 

Osteoarthritis is a more common condition. According to the CDC, over 35 million people in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis. As we grow older, the cartilage between our joints begins to break down, causing our bones to rub together uncomfortably. While there are other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is most commonly brought on by age, injury or overuse of the joints, and obesity.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

While osteoporosis causes a loss of bone density and makes bones more brittle, the disease usually does not display any outward symptoms. In fact, many people may not discover they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture. This is why it is important for older adults, especially women, to get screened for osteoporosis regularly.

However, this is not the case for people who suffer from osteoarthritis. This is the main difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Symptoms that are commonly associated with osteoarthritis include:

• Joint pain — Normally, the cartilage between our joints prevents our bones from rubbing against one another. However, osteoarthritis causes that cartilage to degenerate, which leads to pain in our hands, hips, knees and other joints.

• Loss of mobility — Osteoarthritis sufferers may find that their joints won’t bend, twist or stretch as easily as they used to. The stiffness caused by osteoarthritis makes it more difficult to perform simple tasks such as bending and lifting, climbing stairs, or participating in sports.

• Bone spurs — When our bones become damaged, our bodies will often cause new bone tissue to grow in the affected areas. In joints damaged by osteoarthritis, oftentimes small growths called bone spurs will spring up around the joints.

SSOR can help you address osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

If you experience any of the painful symptoms caused by osteoarthritis, you may find that physical therapy can provide you with long-term relief. People who have developed osteoporosis can also find help from a physical therapist.

Our SSOR physical therapists can help you by creating a program that addresses your individual needs, whether you need help with pain management, joint protection techniques, or help maintaining bone density.

Contact us today to get in touch with a physical therapy specialist and begin a PT program that is right for you.