Osteoporosis vs. osteoarthritis: How to tell the difference

Are you one of the more than 50 million US adults living with joint pain from arthritis? When you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s normal to want to understand the cause—is it osteoporosis? Or is it osteoarthritis? Understanding the key differences between osteoporosis vs. osteoarthritis can help you get the right treatment and relieve joint pain, so you can get back to doing what you love.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and how to tell the difference between the two.

Osteoporosis vs. osteoarthritis

Although they may sound similar, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are very different conditions. Both are common as we age, but they affect the body in very different ways:

• Osteoporosis is a condition that causes weak, thinning bones that are fragile and more likely to break. The bones most often impacted are the hips, spine and wrists.
• Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, causes cartilage, the cushion between your bones, to wear down over time. Osteoarthritis can also occur if the joint is injured. Osteoarthritis often affects the hands, feet, hips, knees, lower back and neck.

Think of it this way: osteoporosis weakens the structure of your bones, while osteoarthritis damages the padding that keeps your joints smooth and flexible.

Osteoporosis symptoms

Osteoporosis symptoms can be sneaky. The condition can develop slowly over many years without causing obvious symptoms. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until a minor fall or even a simple movement, like bending over, leads to a fracture.

While osteoporosis mostly affects older adults, particularly women after menopause, it can affect anyone with risk factors like low calcium intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking or a family history of the disease.

Common symptoms include:

• Back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture or a curved spine (also called kyphosis)
• Fractures that occur more easily than expected, often in the hip, wrist or spine

Being aware of osteoporosis symptoms early can make a big difference—prompt testing and treatment can help protect your bones, prevent fractures and maintain your mobility for years to come. Talk to your primary care physician if you’re worried about your risk for osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, usually show up gradually. Symptoms sometimes start as mild stiffness or occasional aches, and can worsen over time, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

Osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Joint pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
• Swelling or tenderness around affected joints
• Decreased flexibility or range of motion
• A grating sensation or popping sounds when moving the joint

Osteoarthritis most often affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. While it doesn’t make bones fragile like osteoporosis, it can make movement painful and impact daily life.

Being aware of osteoarthritis symptoms early can help you manage pain and maintain mobility, so you can keep doing the activities you love.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis vs. osteoporosis

Knowing the differences between osteoarthritis vs. osteoporosis is important, but proper diagnosis always requires seeing a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Here’s how doctors usually tell them apart.

For osteoporosis:

• Bone density tests (DEXA scans): These measure the strength of your bones and help detect early signs of bone loss.
• Fracture history: Even minor fractures can be a red flag.
• Risk factor evaluation: Age, family history and lifestyle habits all play a role.

Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed and treated by a primary care physician, who can recommend additional referrals if necessary. If you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis, doctors might recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise and medications that strengthen bones.

For osteoarthritis:

• Physical exam: Doctors check for joint swelling, tenderness and range of motion.
• Imaging tests: X-rays or MRIs can show cartilage loss, bone spurs and other joint changes.
• Symptom review: Pain patterns, stiffness and affected joints help confirm osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is typically diagnosed and treated by an orthopedic specialist. Osteoarthritis treatment may include physical therapy and joint exercises, pain-relief medications and in some cases, joint injections or surgery.

Living a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking, can also help manage both conditions.

Getting to the bottom of your joint pain

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether your joint pain is due to osteoporosis vs. osteoarthritis. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the differences between the two conditions.

If you’re experiencing joint pain and these symptoms sound familiar, don’t put off going to the doctor. Recognizing osteoporosis symptoms and osteoarthritis symptoms early and getting the right care can make a big difference in your quality of life and long-term mobility.

Many people continue to live active, fulfilling lives with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. With the right care and support, you can experience joint pain relief and get back to doing what you love.

Joint pain? Speak to a primary care physician or orthopedic specialist today.