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A 34-year-old member asked:

What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

2 doctor answers9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Katherine Sutherland
Gynecology 45 years experience
Very different: Osteoporosis refers to thinning of the bones and generally affects the whole skeleton. It is a painless process unless a fracture occurs. Osteoarthritis refers to a painful joint disease due to narrowing of the joints so bone may be rubbing on bone. It may commonly affect the joints of the hips, knees, or hands.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Michael Patney
Orthopedic Surgery 35 years experience
Pain: Osteoporosis is a painless decrease in the minerals within bone causing it to lose density where arthritis is inflammation of a joint from any number of sources.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Feb 25, 2014

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