How does rheumatoid arthritis cause osteoporosis?

Low bone mineral den: Osteopenia/osteoporosis (very low bone mineral density) in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with severe disease, lower body mass index, decreased intake of calcium and vitamin d, and decreased physical activity.

Inflammation: Inflammation leads to bone loss. Many chronic inflammatory diseases are risk factors for developing osteoporosis. There are other risk factors such as female sex, post-menopause, advanced age, thin body habitus, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Ask your primary care physician or your ob/gyn if you need to be screened and/or tested for osteoporosis.

Not directly : It increases the risk of osteoporosis. A large risk factor is if steroids are used in ra.