Bones vs. Joints
Arthritis and osteoporosis are two common conditions that affect the bones. While there are similarities between these chronic conditions, they have distinct characteristics and they impact the body in different ways. One of the ways to treat osteoporosis is the drug Evenity, a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture. It works by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, which helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Keep reading to learn more about these conditions.
Foods for Arthritis
Here are just a few items that have been known to lend a hand in easing arthritis-related discomfort:
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower and Cabbage
These veggies contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to slow or prevent the production of B-cells and inflammatory cytokines that exacerbate inflammatory arthritis.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation.
Alliums
Alliums include garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. These items contain a compound called diallyl disulfide that may help in easing the impacts of arthritis by limiting cartilage-damaging enzymes.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is abundant in fruits such as citrus fruit, strawberries, bell peppers, parsley, broccoli, kiwi and cantaloupe. Vitamin C is essential for wound healing and forming blood vessels, muscles and cartilage in bones. Studies show that vitamin C can play a large role in preventing arthritis-related conditions or keeping them from getting worse.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis doesn’t refer to just one condition. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis-related conditions, with the most common types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Arthritis refers to the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints that typically worsens with age. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, most commonly affecting the hands, wrists, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and lower back.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among Americans.
Risk Factors
Age
Age is perhaps the largest risk factor in getting arthritis. We lose bone mass quickly as we age, which causes bone weakening and potential fractures. Research suggests that up to 30 percent of adults over age 45 may have some form of arthritis.
Being Overweight
Having more body weight may place additional stress on your knee joints, which can lead to arthritis and even exacerbate the symptoms.
Repeat Injuries
Repeat injuries can weaken your joints, which makes arthritis more likely.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and fragile, making the risk of fractures and breaking significantly more likely. Osteoporosis affects women more than men by an overwhelming amount. The disease has no obvious symptoms, so many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture. That said, medications such as Evenity are available. Evenity is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture. It works by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, which helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
Risk Factors
Gender
Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are a woman. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of the changes that happen with menopause.
Age
The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis, as your bones become thinner and weaker.
Medication Use
Long-term use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and some anticonvulsants can lead to loss of bone density and fractures.
Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health and well-being, which includes your bones.
How are Arthritis and Osteoporosis Different?
There are a lot of similarities between arthritis and osteoporosis. However, to treat the right condition, it’s vital to understand the differences between the two. The biggest differences include:
Symptoms
While arthritis can cause joint pain and swelling, osteoporosis is largely considered a “silent" disease. This means that most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they’ve already injured themselves or fractured a bone.
Treatment
Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, while treatment for arthritis aims to reduce pain and swelling while preserving the affected joints.
Prevention
For some people, osteoporosis can be fully prevented with a health-promoting lifestyle, while most types of arthritis cannot be prevented and can only be managed.