Arthritis and osteoporosis are both chronic, long-term conditions that affect your bones. Arthritis causes swelling, inflammation, and pain in your joints. Osteoporosis develops as a result of decreased bone mass and density, and can lead to fractures.

Both are common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 24 percent of U.S. adults have arthritis. Osteoporosis develops in older adults. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than half of U.S. adults over age 50 either have osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia).

While the risk of developing certain types of arthritis and osteoporosis can increase with age, both conditions have genetic and environmental components. It’s also possible to have both at the same time.

Read on to learn more about the differences in symptoms and risk factors. We’ll also go over available treatment options and any preventive measures you can take.

Arthritis and osteoporosis both affect your bones, but they do not develop or present in the same way. Arthritis symptoms are often more noticeable. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they break a bone.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. However, since all of them affect the joints in some way, there are often shared general symptoms.

Here’s a closer look at some distinguishing symptoms for common types of arthritis, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

Arthritis may also be involved in, or comorbidity (co-occurring condition) with, other health conditions.

Unlike arthritis, osteoporosis is considered an “invisible” or “silent” illness in the early stages. You may not know you have low bone mass and low bone density, which cause osteoporosis, until you’ve broken (fractured) a bone.

Since osteoporosis does not usually have obvious symptoms early on, screening and timely diagnosis are important to help prevent related bone fractures.

However, some people may still experience the following symptoms before diagnosis, according to NIH:

Fractures from osteoporosis may occur spontaneously or from seemingly minor accidents and falls. In some cases, fractures may develop from typical daily functions like bending or lifting.

Talking with a doctor about your symptoms is the first step in getting a diagnosis for either arthritis or osteoporosis. Your doctor may start with a physical exam and then ask you questions about your medical and family history.

If your doctor suspects arthritis, they may order the following tests:

Other blood tests are used to rule out infections like Lyme disease, a bacterial infection, and hepatitis, a viral infection, as well as other viral infections that can be associated with joint inflammation.

A specialized X-ray called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA scan, is used to diagnose osteoporosis. These types of X-rays are shorter and do not emit as much radiation as traditional ones, which can make them safer for repeated use in the future.

A DEXA scan usually only takes an average of 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It measures your bone density in comparison with the bones of an average 30-year-old, and your results are assigned a “T-score.”

Here’s how the scores are broken down, according to AAOS:

A DEXA scan is recommended for adults over age 50 who may have had a recent fracture from a minor accident, but it’s especially recommended for the following individuals:

Learn more >> Here’s what you need to know about osteoporosis screening

While the risk for developing osteoporosis increases with age, you may be at a higher risk if one or both of your parents have this condition or another bone disease. This is especially true if there’s a history of maternal hip fracture before age 50.

Researchers are currently looking into whether specific genes and biomarkers could indicate a specific risk for osteoporosis. There have been some tentative findings, including connections between osteoporosis and the genes DAAM2, VDR, and BMP2.

Similar to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis develops due to age and natural wear and tear, anyone can develop it. But other types of arthritis may have unique genetic components in addition to environmental factors. Autoimmune diseases, such as RA, may run in families, but many patients have no family history of disease.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) notes that up to 30 percent of the general worldwide population carry a gene called HLA-DR4, which has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. However, not everyone with this gene will develop the condition (only around 1 percent of the general population has RA).

Also, while juvenile idiopathic arthritis itself typically does not run in families, children may be at an increased risk of developing JIA if there’s a family history of chronic arthritis.

Having a family history of osteoporosis or arthritis is one of the most important indicators of your chance of developing either or both conditions. Tell your doctor about all hereditary autoimmune diseases and chronic conditions.

In addition to your family history, there are other health and environmental factors that can influence your chance of developing osteoporosis or arthritis.

The risk factors for arthritis vary by type and may include:

Factors that increase your chance of developing osteoporosis include:

Older research published in 2003 showed that osteoporosis is more prevalent in white women and Asian women.

However, white women are estimated to be twice as likely to get a DEXA screening for osteoporosis than Black women, according to a multiyear study involving a small percentage of Medicare beneficiaries under 65 years old. The research was conducted between 1999 and 2005.

It’s also important to note that Black people are at an increased risk for negative health outcomes, including being more likely to die from a hip fracture and experiencing longer hospital stays, per a 2011 study. Racial disparities likely influence these adverse outcomes.

It’s important to follow your treatment plan carefully and to discuss any concerns with your doctor before making changes. Some activity recommendations, such as regular, low impact exercises, can benefit both osteoporosis and arthritis.

Here’s a breakdown of key treatment approaches for each condition:

Possible treatment options for arthritis may include a combination of the following:

To help treat low bone density and prevent further loss of bone mass, your doctor may recommend the following options for osteoporosis:

Physical therapy is an important treatment and prevention approach for osteoporosis. It can help strengthen bones to prevent future fractures. Your physical therapist will work with you during sessions to develop an exercise routine and usually assign you exercises to complete at home as well.

For fractures related to osteoporosis, rest and wearing a brace or cast may be necessary. In some instances, surgery may be required.

It’s possible to have both arthritis and osteoporosis, but there are key differences between the conditions to consider.

Arthritis and osteoporosis are both diseases that affect your bones. Arthritis causes inflammation in your joints. Osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density and mass. You can have both arthritis and osteoporosis at the same time.

It’s important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and the right treatment.

Eating a nutrient-dense diet and living an active lifestyle are the best ways to prevent osteoporosis. Once it develops, osteoporosis is not reversible. However, symptoms can be managed.

Arthritis may develop regardless of whether you take precautions, but physical therapy and medication can help treat symptoms and reduce flares.

Age and family history are key risk factors for both conditions.

It’s important to tell your doctor if your parents have osteoporosis or if there’s a family history of autoimmune diseases. They can order screening blood and imaging tests to help determine your chance of developing arthritis and osteoporosis.

Last medically reviewed on April 1, 2022

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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