Rheumatic diseases: differences between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

Rheumatic diseases are common in people over 50 years of age, although they have a genetic component that cannot be modified. Therefore, it is important to take into account certain guidelines to delay the appearance of these diseases and know how to identify their symptoms to achieve early detection.

What are rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases are those that affect the structures of the musculoskeletal system, such as bones, muscles or tendons. Currently, these pathologies affect one in four people. They are degenerative diseases, so the diagnosis worsens over time.

Causes and treatment of rheumatic diseases

The causes of rheumatic diseases are related to hereditary or genetic factors, although there are certain factors that can favor their appearance, for example, being overweight or certain infections.

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These pathologies are characterized by the existence of chronic pain in the joints. Furthermore, the wear and tear of the joints usually generates stiffness, which limits mobility and directly affects the patient's daily activities.

In the treatment of these pathologies, rehabilitation takes on special importance, as it promotes the strengthening of muscles and joints.

Between the most common rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are found. Next, we will try to establish the similarities and differences that exist between the two.

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What is osteoarthritis and what are its causes?

Osteoarthritis, as explained, is a rheumatic pathology, caused by injury to the articular cartilage. It is directly related to aging and bone wear, which is why it usually appears in elderly people.

There are certain factors that enhance the appearance of osteoarthritis, including genetic and hereditary factors. Sex is also an important factor, since almost 80% of women suffer or will suffer from osteoarthritis, this is due, among other things, to weakening of bones caused by hormonal changes during menopause.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The main symptom of osteoarthritis is the existence of mechanical pain, that is, caused by movements. It is normally located on the shoulders, hips, knees, fingers and toes.

It is common for the patient to present inflammation in the affected area and, often, for a joint leak, that is, accumulation of synovial fluid within the joint. Another of the most common symptoms is joint deformity, especially in the fingers of the hands.

Types of osteoarthritis

Depending on the part of the body where cartilage wear occurs, there are different types of osteoarthritis, the most common are:

• Osteoarthritis in the hands: It usually manifests itself by deformity in the fingers and is more common in women over 50 years of age.
• Cervical osteoarthritis: usually manifests with neck pain. It is often diagnosed casually, when x-rays of the spine are performed for other reasons.
• Knee osteoarthritis: characterized by mechanical pain after periods of rest. It also usually causes joint deformity.
• Lumbar osteoarthritis: In this case it is common for the pain to radiate to the legs and buttocks.
• Elbow osteoarthritis: This pathology usually causes symptoms such as inflammation in the joint, joint stiffness and pain in the elbow.
• Hip arthrosis: causes pain in the groin and sometimes in the knees.
• Facet osteoarthritis: characterized by chronic low back pain and the possible appearance of canal stenosis in more advanced cases.

Osteoarthritis treatment

It is essential rehabilitation in the treatment of osteoarthritis, since the objective of this treatment is to strengthen the bone and muscle structure. It is usually accompanied by treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatories, so that the pain decreases.

Treatment with hyaluronic acid infiltrations is common, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects joint tissues. Furthermore, the tstem cell treatment for osteoarthritis. This method consists of regenerating joint cells to try to stop the loss of cartilage in the joints.
In severe cases, surgeries are performed, in which techniques such as arthroscopy or osteotomy are used.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a rheumatic disease, caused by the loss of bone mass density, that is, the bones become more porous and have a greater number of cavities, which makes them more fragile.

Causes of osteoporosis

The causes of osteoporosis are related to metabolic changes that occur inside the bones. Between the ages of 30 and 35, a person, under normal conditions, reaches their maximum bone mass density. From this age onwards, a natural loss of bone mass occurs, which becomes greater as time goes by.

The osteoporosis is more common in women since they have less bone mass than men and, in addition, the hormonal alterations of menopause accelerate the loss of bone mass.

The appearance of osteoporosis is also related to the prolonged consumption of certain medications, such as corticosteroids. In addition, patients with kidney diseases, celiac disease or lupus are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

The symptoms of osteoporosis do not usually appear until the disease is in an advanced state, the most common being bone fractures, especially vertebral, wrist or hip fractures.

Another of the most common symptoms is decrease in height over time, which is due to bone wear.

Types of osteoporosis

Regarding the types of osteoporosis, there are three main types, depending on the factor that caused its appearance.

First of all, the primary osteoporosis. It is the largest group and is not usually directly related to any other pathology. Secondly, it differentiates secondary osteoporosis, which develops as a consequence or manifestation of another disease or treatment.

On the other hand, there is the idiopathic osteoporosis, which usually affects young people and manifests itself with the sudden appearance of bone pain.

Osteoporosis treatment

Typically, the treatment of osteoporosis is based on modifying the risk factors that could cause bone fractures. Normally, the patient is recommended to practice moderate, low-impact sports, as well as, include foods rich in calcium in the diet.

In patients with more severe symptoms, apply antiresorptive treatments, which decrease bone resorption, or osteoforming treatments, which stimulate bone formation.

Differences between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are rheumatic diseases. However, they present numerous differences, the most important of which has to do with the cause that causes them.

As explained, osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease. However, osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone mass, that is, the demineralization of the bone.

Relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

It is common to relate osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, since they are diseases that can occur at the same time, and have certain aspects in common.

Both are degenerative diseases, which usually worsen with the passage of time. Its appearance is directly related to age and is more common in women, since hormonal imbalances during menopause have direct consequences on both pathologies.

How can you prevent rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases cannot be prevented, since they contain a genetic component. However, its appearance can be delayed by taking certain aspects into account.

It is very important to follow a diet that includes foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, as they strengthen bone structure. Avoiding tobacco and caffeine consumption can also prevent the appearance of bone diseases.

Furthermore, strengthening the bone and muscle structure through strength exercises is essential to delay the appearance of these pathologies, as well as minimize their effects.

Tips to take care of your bones

There are certain aspects to take into account to maintain bone structure in good condition, some of the guidelines are as follows.

• Include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Control of body weight, since in cases of overweight, the bone structure of the human body will withstand more pressure.
• Sunbathe in a controlled manner and with adequate protection.
• Control caffeine consumption, as well as avoid tobacco.
• Maintain good postural hygiene, which will prevent the appearance of pain.
• Practice moderate, low-impact exercise.

As has been seen, it is essential to keep our bone structure in good condition to prevent or delay the appearance of rheumatic diseases, which can directly affect the performance of activities in our daily lives.