Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are often confused. However, in either case there are a number of ways that in home care can be beneficial. As a consequence of accepting home care in any of the California areas we serve, you can gain more independence and control over your life.
The Difference Between Osteoporosis & Osteoarthritis
We concentrated on the ways home care can help arthritis patients in this article. In particular, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can have similar symptoms that we can help you manage. As a result of similar sounding conditions and similar symptoms the two are commonly confused.
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis – The Basics
Here are the basic facts about both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
- Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. It causes the bones to weaken, and actually decrease in density; increasing the risk of fractures.
- Osteoarthritis is disease of the joints and the tissue around the joints. Commonly, there is swelling in the joint areas.
- There is no direct pain associated with osteoporosis. Pain will generally only occur when the osteoporosis results in a fracture. The fracture can be painful.
- Osteoarthritis is often extremely painful and often a cause of chronic pain. The main source of pain is caused by the inflammation of the joint area. Another source of pain can be the bone on bone contact caused by the deterioration of the joint.
- A person can have both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis at the same time. However, it is not always a fact that if you have one disease you will have the other.
- In similar fashion, both diseases can cause limitations in mobility and discomfort. Likewise, while similar, the only other common factor between the two is the prefix “osteo”; meaning of the bone.
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis – Treatment & Prevention
The two diseases are treated very differently. Prevention is similar in the way that all disease prevention relies upon a healthy lifestyle to decrease your risk.
- There are treatments for both diseases. Nevertheless, treatments are generally very different and focus on particular symptoms.
- Treatment for osteoporosis can include medications, a bone healthy diet, and exercise for healthy bones. Medications focus on increasing bone density and helping to build stronger bones.
- Treatment of osteoarthritis can include changing to a healthier diet; however, medication will focus on the goals of reducing joint swelling and pain. This can also include physical therapy and in some cases surgery.
- Prevention for osteoporosis will focus on preventing fractures, decreasing the risk of falls, and other areas that encourage early intervention with diet.
- Risk for osteoarthritis can be decreased with a healthier lifestyle. This article from the Arthritis Foundation focuses on prevention.
- Risk for osteoporosis can be decreased with a bone healthy diet, supplements to help build stronger bones and prevention. Being female puts you in a higher risk category too.
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Prevalence
- Osteoporosis affects 1/3 of senior adults age 65 and over according to this article in Everyday Health.
- Osteoarthritis is one of the two most common forms of arthritis. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Home Care Can Help Both Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Patients
Contact us and let us help you take control of your lifestyle and manage both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. A healthier lifestyle approach, increased activity and eating properly can help you be more independent. In the same way, taking the right supplements and medications can help decrease your risk and help manage the pain from either disease.
We can help you not only know the differences between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis but we can help you manage these diseases too.
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