Home


Meet Dr. Donnica Video Introduction TV Appearances


Diseases & Conditions Today on DrDonnica.com Clinical Trials Decisionnaires FAQs Top Tips Fast Facts Debunking Myths News Alerts Celebrity Speak Out Guest Experts Women's Health Champions Books Women's Health Resources


Mission Privacy Policy Sponsors Press Room What's New? Contact Us

This website is accredited by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.


OBGYN Award


Hope Award
 

Send to a Friend

The Difference Between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Q: What's the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?


Dr. Donnica:
One reason that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are often confused is that they both begin with "osteo" meaning "bone". The other reason is that both conditions are so prevalent in women over age 60 that many women have both conditions simultaneously.

The word "osteoporosis" simply means "porous bones". It is an age-related disease associated with a gradual thinning and weakening of the bones. This can lead to an increase in fractures, usually in the spine, hip or wrist. It basically has two root causes- not building enough bone in the first place and loss of bone later in life, generally from the decreased estrogen of menopause.

The term "arthritis" refers to an inflammation of the joints. There are now known to be more than 100 types of arthritis. Five of those account for nine out of ten cases: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout. Two of the most common types of arthritis, both of which are very common in women, are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is generally a result of wear and tear, aging or injury to the joints. It is very commonly associated with aging.

For more information on osteoporosis, click here.
For more information on osteoarthritis, click here.


Created: 10/4/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.



 Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis are very common in women. 


All the content contained herein is copyrighted pursuant to federal law. Duplication or use without
the express written permission of DrDonnica.com subjects the violator to both civil & criminal penalties.
Copyright © 2006 DrDonnica.com. All rights reserved.

Home | Today on DrDonnica.com | Meet Dr. Donnica | TV Appearances | Clinical Trials
Diseases & Conditions | Decisionnaires | Celebrity Speak Out | Guest Experts | Women's Health Champions
FAQs | Women’s Health Resources | Archive | Books & Tapes | Site Certification | Advanced Search
Mission | What’s New? | Press Room | Privacy Policy | Sponsors | Partners | Contact Us