Many people are confused between osteoporosis and some of the types of arthritis. So, in this article, we will discuss the differences and similarities between these two conditions.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bone becomes less dense and can lead to a fracture. The chances of osteoporosis occurring are at higher risk due to low bone mass. In this condition, a loss of bone tissue can occur, leaving the bones less dense and prone to fracture. This, in turn, will result in severe back pain, loss of height, and changes in posture. It can also lead to impairing a person’s ability to walk and can also cause permanent or long-term disability.
The risk factors that favor osteoporosis are the following:
1. Small frame or thinness
2. Family history of this particular disease
3. Being postmenopausal and, in particular, having a previous menopause
4. Abnormal absence of the menstrual cycle (amenorrhea)
5. Longer use of certain medications such as those used to treat lupus, asthma, thyroid deficiency, and seizures.
6. Low calcium intake
7. Lack of physical activity
8. Tuxedo
9. Excessive alcohol consumption
Osteoporosis is also known as one of the silent diseases because it can progress undetected for many years without symptoms until a fracture occurs. It is diagnosed by a bone mineral density test which is painless and the surest way to detect low bone density.
Since there is no cure for this disease, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved several drugs to treat and prevent osteoporosis. In addition, a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, regular weight-bearing exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can lessen or prevent the effects of the disease.
arthritis
Arthritis is a common term used for conditions that affect the surrounding tissues and joints. Joints are the places in the body where bones meet in unison, such as the knees, fingers, toes, wrists, and hips. The two types of arthritis are as follows:
A) Osteoarthritis (OA): It is a painful and degenerative joint disease that often affects the lower back, neck, knees, hips, or the small joints of the hands. OA develops in joints that are injured from repeated overuse while performing a particular task or playing a sport or from carrying excess body weight. Ultimately, this repeated injury or impact wears away the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in the joint. As in a later result, the bones rub against each other, causing a rubbing sensation. Joint flexibility is reduced, bone spurs begin to develop, and joints swell. The initial symptom of OA is pain that worsens after exercise or immobility. Treatment includes pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical creams, appropriate exercises, physical therapy, joint splinting, or joint replacement surgery for larger, severely damaged joints such as the knee or hip.
B) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): It is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that involves various joints in the ankles, feet, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs, and fingers. In an autoimmune disease, the body releases enzymes that attack your healthy tissues. In RA, these enzymes destroy the lining of the joints. It causes malformation, stiffness, swelling, pain, reduced movement and function. People with RA may also have systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, eye inflammation, weight loss, anemia, subcutaneous nodules (lumps under the skin), or pleurisy (inflammation of the lungs).
Medical Disclosure:
The information contained in this article is presented for the purpose of educating people. Nothing in this article should be construed or intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. If you have any health care related questions, please call or consult your physician or other qualified health care provider immediately. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health professional before embarking on any new treatment, diet, or fitness program.
You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.