What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones lose mass and become more porous, resulting in brittle bones that are more prone to fracture. We all reach our peak bone mass around age 35. From that time, our bones start getting thinner. Since estrogen helps to maintain bone thickness, the drop in estrogen level during menopause causes the bone loss to increase. Calcium, Vitamin D, exercise, hormone replacement therapy and certain medications can help slow bone loss. Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of cartilage in the joint. The body responds by creating new bone but not necessarily in the correct position. This new growth may make some joints appear larger and misshapen and can make the space between the bones smaller. The bones may then rub against one another, interfering with the joint’s normal function.
