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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

    Related Topics
    Osteoarthritis Rheumatology
    I’ve just been diagnosed with osteoporosis but I don’t understand the difference to arthritis.
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  • 23

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    Jason Tomlinson

    Personal Trainer

    Osteoathritis is a degenerative disease of a particular joint, which is due to cartilage being worn away over time which allows bone to rub against each other, leading to swelling, stifness and pain.

    Osteoporsis on the other hand, is when the bone becomes brittle and weaker as you age due to minerals, such as calcium, not being replaced quickly enough in the bone, leading to a lack of bone density which puts the joint at greater risk of cracks and fractures occurring.

    I hope this helps!

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    Gaby Wolf

    Exercise Physiologist

    As an Exercise Physiologist, I specialise in improving the balance, mobility and quality of life of older adults through specific falls prevention exercises. I am … View Profile

    Osteoarthritis (OA)

    OA occurs naturally as we age. It is a result of the cartilage wearing away in joints and results in bone rubbing against bone, which can cause pain and discomfort. This often leads to bony spurs forming around the joint. The onset of OA is more rapid if there was a fracture around that joint in earlier years, if the person is overweight or if there is a genetic link to OA in the family. 


    Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis is when the minerals in the bone, e.g. calcium, cannot be replaced as quickly as they are used resulting in a decrease in bone mass density. As a result the bones become weak and brittle. This increases the likelihod of fractures and can also lead to poor posture, decrease in height and muscle weakness. 

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    Dr Jillian Tomlinson

    Hand Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon

    Dr Jill Tomlinson is a fully qualified plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon. After graduating dux in her year at University High School, Jill completed medical … View Profile

    Thanks for your question!

    Generally speaking, osteoporosis affects the bone, and arthritis affects the joints. They are two different conditions that may co-exist.

    Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones are weak and prone to breaking. Often osteoporosis is diagnosed after a person sustains a fracture with minimal trauma (such as a simple trip and fall).

    Osteoarthritis is a condition where the smooth articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones is gradually destroyed. The end result is that bare bone ends rub against each other, which causes pain and stiffness at the joints.

    For information about arthritis affecting the hand and wrist please visit the Melbourne Hand Surgery website.

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