Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are frequently confused due to their similar-sounding names, and because both are common in older adults and affect the musculoskeletal system. However, they are fundamentally different conditions affecting different parts of your body. Osteoarthritis is a joint condition - it affects the cartilage and bones within joints, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoporosis is a bone condition - it affects bone density throughout your skeleton, making bones weak and prone to fracture. Understanding the difference is important because they have different symptoms, different risk factors, and require different treatments. It's also possible to have both conditions at the same time, which is actually quite common in older adults.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down. As the cartilage wears away, bones can rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It's the most common form of arthritis in the UK. OA typically affects weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, as well as hands and spine. Symptoms include joint pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, reduced range of motion, and sometimes visible swelling or bony enlargements. Risk factors include age (more common over 50), previous joint injury, obesity, and family history. For comprehensive information about osteoarthritis, see our complete guide. OA develops gradually and is usually diagnosed through physical examination and X-rays.

Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bones' - it's a condition where bone density decreases, making bones weak and brittle. It's often called the 'silent disease' because it typically has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Your bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt, but with osteoporosis, bone loss outpaces new bone formation. This leads to bones that fracture easily, even from minor falls or, in severe cases, from coughing or bending over. The most common fracture sites are the hip, spine (vertebrae), and wrist. Osteoporosis is more common in women, especially after menopause when oestrogen levels drop, though men can develop it too. Risk factors include age, family history, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, excessive alcohol, and certain medications. Diagnosis is made through a DEXA bone density scan.

It's possible to have both conditions at the same time - this is actually quite common in older adults.

Treatments differ significantly because the conditions are so different. For osteoarthritis, treatment focuses on managing pain and maintaining joint function: physiotherapy, pain relief medications, lifestyle modifications like weight management, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended. For osteoporosis, treatment aims to strengthen bones and prevent fractures: calcium and vitamin D supplementation, medications called bisphosphonates that slow bone loss, weight-bearing exercise to stimulate bone formation, and fall prevention strategies. Both conditions benefit from regular appropriate exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. If you have both conditions, your treatment plan will address both - which is why proper diagnosis matters.

If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or are concerned about your bone health, it's important to see a specialist for proper diagnosis. Self-Pay Health can help you find rheumatologists and orthopaedic consultants who can assess your symptoms, arrange appropriate tests, and develop a treatment plan. Because the conditions require different approaches, getting the right diagnosis is essential. Don't assume aches and pains are just 'part of getting older' - early intervention helps manage both conditions more effectively. Use our search to find specialists near you who can provide proper assessment and personalised care.