Osteoporosis is often confused with osteoarthritis as often patients can have both. Osteoarthritis is a complex disease that causes painful joints and reduces the mobility and function of the joint, osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass which multiplies the risk of fractures.
Both conditions are different and have their own risk factors, characteristics, signs, symptoms, and treatments.
Let’s look at a few key differences:
OSTEOARTHRITIS
- Joint pain and stiffness
- 5 Million Americans diagnosed – that is 1/7 adults
- 62% of which are women
- It is considered part of the normal aging process.
OSTEOPOROSIS
- Causes bone density loss
- Affects 10 million Americans
- Causes 2 million fractures per year
- ½ of women will experience some level of osteoporosis
- It is not painful until a bone breaks
It is possible to have both conditions at the same time.
What can you do to help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?
- Keep active and do load bearing exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Watch your blood sugar levels
- Pay attention to pain and signals your body sends you see a doctor right away if you don’t feel right. These conditions can begin as young as age 40.
- Eat a diet rich in calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and trace minerals.
- High protein diets are also linked with greater more dense bone mass.
- Do not smoke
- Limit alcohol
- Check your hormone levels, including thyroid hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, in particular, need to be balanced to keep the natural bone-building process progressing.
- Ask your doctor about a bone density scan
At Internal Medicine, Lipid and Wellness of Fort Myers we are well-versed in Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. We can help you proactively prevent bone loss and arthritic pain as well as help more advanced cases increase mobility and limit pain, offering the best quality of life possible.
Dr. Kordonowy is board certified in internal medicine and certified in clinical lipidology.
Dr. Marconi is board certified in family medicine.
Give our office a call to schedule your appointment 239-362-3005 x 200. IMLWP of Fort Myers is a concierge medical service team. At present time we are accepting new clients and would love to review your history and talk with you to see if you would be a great match for our services.
