Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: Similar Names, Distinct Conditions

Dr. Ritu Sethi

Jul 16, 20243 min read

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis might sound the same but, more often than not, they’re misunderstood. The only thing common between them is that both are coined around the bone condition that occurs due to ageing.

Osteoarthritis affects the exterior structure of bones and mainly causes cartilage deterioration. On the other hand, osteoporosis affects the internal structure of bones and makes them porous.

In this article, we’ve curated a detailed comparison between the 2 conditions so that going forward you never feel confused when you hear about osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: Definition

Find the basic meaning of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in this section.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis in India. It is a degenerative disease that deteriorates the cartilage between joints. Generally, cartilage is responsible for acting as a shock absorber to ensure your bones glide smoothly. OA causes inflammation and joint pain.

What is osteoporosis?

When you break down the word ‘osteoporosis,’ it can be defined as ‘porous bone.’ The ideal structure of a healthy bone when viewed under a microscope is in a honeycomb form. In osteoporosis, the hole in the bones enlarges and the bone mineral density decreases. Thus, weakening your bones and making them prone to break.

Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: Symptoms

Find out a detailed idea of how Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis symptoms vary. Stay on the lookout for these symptoms & start taking preventive measures.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis condition are subtler than osteoporosis symptoms. The most common ones are -

  • Joint pain during movement
  • Joint stiffness
  • Poor flexibility while walking or running
  • Inflammation in joints
  • Frequent crackling or popping sounds in the affected area

Osteoporosis Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoporosis are intense and can take you by surprise.

  • Constant pain in the lower back mainly caused due to collapsed discs or fractured vertebrae
  • Stooped posture
  • A decrease in height by an inch or so
  • Shortness of breath caused due to spinal collapse and poor lung capacity

Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: Causes

Refer to the breakdown given below to understand the causes or risk factors involved in Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

  • General ageing
  • Overweight
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Bone deformities
  • Joint injuries
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

  • General ageing
  • Overweight
  • Genetics
  • Poor diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking & alcohol consumption
  • Medications

Osteoarthritis vs Osteoporosis: Treatments

If you wish to manage your Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis, you can refer to the tips below -

Osteoarthritis Treatment and Tips to Manage

  1. Add low-impact exercise to your daily life like bicycling, walking, and swimming
  2. Lose excess weight and burn fat to prevent your knees from feeling pressured
  3. Eat healthy meals that help reduce inflammation
  4. Stay in touch with your doctor
  5. Take three60+ Pain Relief & Joint Mobility tablets to tackle joint pain, stiffness, and poor mobility

Osteoporosis Treatment and Tips to Manage

  1. Curb your smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption
  2. Meet your body’s minimum daily calcium intake requirement
  3. Add low-impact exercise to your daily life like bicycling, walking, and swimming
  4. Eat healthy foods that are rich in calcium and potassium
  5. Strengthen your bones

At this point when you’ve scanned through the article, it’s okay to wonder “Which is worse - Osteoarthritis or Osteoporosis for your health?” The answer is that any type of arthritis condition is unhealthy for your body. So, take necessary precautions and maintain a healthy lifestyle that will keep you miles away from the condition.

Additionally, most of the foods we consume do not contain the necessary calcium and minerals needed for our bones. So, you can rely on safe and effective supplements like three60+ Daily Joint Care & Protect. It improves your bone density, facilitates cartilage muscles, and helps you experience joint pain relief.

By taking the right steps and staying aware of Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis conditions, you can reclaim your life and take care of your joint health daily.

Follow us, your health will thank you.