Differences Between Osteoarthritis, Arthritis And Osteoporosis That You Should Know
Osteoarthritis, arthritis, and osteoporosis are not the same.
Anyone who suffers from any of these conditions knows it well. However, those who enjoy a life free of these diseases, can confuse the terms.
We are facing very common medical realities among the population. The most problematic fact is, without a doubt, its chronicity. In addition, they are degenerative diseases for which there is no effective treatment to reverse the origins that cause them.
Of course, we have palliative drugs. In addition to therapies focused on reducing inflammation, numbness or pain. However, one more aspect that osteoarthritis, arthritis and osteoporosis have in common is that they affect women to a greater degree.
Below we will explain what the differences are between these three conditions. This way you can understand them better and avoid getting confused.
Osteoarthritis, a common disease
Among rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis is one of the most common. We are facing a disease whose origin is in the degeneration of cartilage.
We must remember that cartilage is a tissue that covers the end of the bones. It helps that they can move without touching each other. If the cartilage loses strength and quality, rubbing, pain and inflammation appear.
- Osteoarthritis is very common in the hips, knees, and ankles.
- The pain usually subsides when the person rests and is at rest.
- On the other hand, it must be said that there is no drug that solves this condition. What can be achieved is to slow down the progression of the disease, but never stop it.
- If we have not developed this disease, and we want to prevent it, it is advisable to practice regular sport. Likewise, we must avoid obesity.
- It is recommended to eat a balanced diet and consume sufficient sources of vitamin C. This component acts as a precursor to the production of collagen.
In turn, if osteoarthritis is already part of our life, we must take care of our diet. We will ensure that there is never a lack of vitamin C, or minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon and sulfur.
Arthritis, a disease not associated with aging
No, arthritis does not come with age, nor is it a normative ailment that we will have to live with when we reach old age. Although there are many types of arthritis, this disease can appear in children and in individuals with a very active life. In athletes and people who have an intense and demanding work rhythm.
First of all, we must be very clear that arthritis can have various origins:
- Immune origin: the immune system reacts adversely against the synovial membrane (that layer of tissue that lines the inner part of the joint capsule).
- Post-traumatic origins: it happens when we receive a blow or when we have spent a lot of time repeating the same movement (working with the computer, for example, can accelerate this problem).
- Likewise, the accumulation of crystals caused by uric acid can lead to the classic “gout”.
Arthritis usually presents with intense and continuous pain. Just as osteoarthritis finds some relief at rest, the latter condition is more persistent.
To prevent arthritis, we must follow a diet rich in calcium, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. In addition, we must perform moderate physical activity outside, allowing the sun to give us the synthesis of vitamin D.
Osteoporosis, very common in women
According to the scientific literature, osteoporosis is a systemic, chronic and exhausting disease that affects the bones. The most common is to spend several years without perceiving its incidence, until, suddenly, a fracture appears for no apparent reason.
It is a very harsh reality for those who suffer from it. We must remember that bone tissue is constantly renewed, forming new structures and discarding old tissue.
However, on occasions, and when, for example, menopause, this balance is disturbed. We stop forming new tissue with such strength or agility. Over time, there is less bone density, so there is a greater risk of fractures
Due to osteoporosis the bones become porous, especially in the area of the wrists, hips and vertebrae.
To treat this disease, dietary supplements based on calcium and vitamin D will be of great help. Also, and always under medical recommendation, bisphosphonates are also very suitable . These promote calcium to penetrate the bone and help it regenerate
