Managing Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis

Last time, we dove into the wild world of osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA)—what they are, how they happen, and the many myths surrounding them (we’re still thinking about that one client who said, “You can’t have both!”).

Today, let’s get practical: How do you actually manage these two common, bone-related conditions? Because while both affect aging bodies, the treatment plans for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are very different. Same family, very different personalities.

Let’s Break it Down:

Medications: Inflammation vs. Density

Osteoarthritis Treatment:

OA involves joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration. So, medications focus on reducing inflammation and managing pain:

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) reduce joint inflammation and discomfort, improving mobility.

• Steroids, such as prednisone or cortisone injections, offer stronger relief. These are best used short-term, as prolonged use may worsen joint degeneration.

🧠 Note: OA medications are symptom-focused—they ease discomfort but don’t repair cartilage.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis is all about low bone mineral density. Medications aim to stop bone loss or stimulate bone growth:

• Bisphosphonates (e.g., Fosamax) reduce bone breakdown.

• Denosumab (Prolia): An injectable option that slows bone resorption.

• Anabolic agents like Teriparatide and Abaloparatide help build new bone, but are typically only used in severe osteoporosis cases.

Work with your healthcare provider to determine the right medication—side effects vary and personalization is key.

🔑 Key Difference: OA meds = reduce inflammation and pain. OP meds = improve bone density and prevent fractures.

Surgery: Joint Replacements vs. Fracture Repairs

Osteoarthritis Surgery Options

Sometimes conservative treatments aren’t enough, and surgery becomes necessary:

• Arthroscopy with Debridement: This is a minimally invasive procedure to clean out debris in the joint. Success depends on age, degeneration severity, weight, and lifestyle.

• Joint Replacements (hip, knee, shoulder): For severe OA, replacements can restore function and reduce pain. A solid rehab plan pre- and post-op is critical.

Osteoporosis and Surgery

While surgery doesn’t treat osteoporosis itself, fractures due to low bone density may require surgical stabilization or a joint replacement. Due to fragile bones, recovery can be longer and more complex. Prevention is your best friend here.

Nutrition & Supplements: Supporting Inflammation or Bone Density

Osteoarthritis Nutrition Goals: Reduce Inflammation This can be accomplished via:

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, olive oil, and turmeric. Reduce dairy, gluten, sugar, and processed foods. (Read all about inflammation here)

• Supplements: Glucosamine, omega-3s, and curcumin may help reduce OA symptoms. Results vary, so work with a practitioner.

Osteoporosis Nutrition Goals: Strengthen Bones

• Calcium: Found in leafy greens, dairy, and fortified foods. Supplementation is debated—helpful for prevention but possibly less so for reversing OP.

• Vitamin D3 + K2: These are crucial for calcium absorption and directing it into the bones, not arteries.

• Magnesium & Phosphorus: These minerals support overall bone structure.

• Try to avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods—they reduce calcium absorption.

🦴 Pro Tip: A personalized nutrition strategy makes a difference. Consider a nutritional assessment if you’re at risk.

Exercise: The #1 Tool for Managing OA and OP

Osteoarthritis-Friendly Exercise

Exercise helps lubricate joints, manage inflammation, and build support structures. Choose activities such as:

• Low-impact cardio e.g. walking, swimming, cycling)

• Strength training to improves support around joints and improve overall mechanics. Both of these will decrease stress at a given joint.

• Mobility and flexibility work to reduces stiffness and enhances joint range of motion

✨ “Motion is lotion”—consistent movement is key, even if there’s some initial discomfort.

Osteoporosis-Safe Exercise

Here, the goals are to increase or preserve bone density, and to prevent falls:

• Weight-bearing exercises such walking and stair climbing can stimulate bone growth.

• Resistance training: Especially heavy, low-rep strength training—this is where the magic happens! This allows us to load heavier and in different planes, further promoting bone growth.

• Balance & posture work, think things like Tai chi, single-leg drills, and core strengthening reduce fall risk.

⚠️ Already diagnosed? Avoid jumping or high-impact moves unless cleared by a qualified professional.

Lifestyle Tips: Your Daily Habits Matter

For Osteoarthritis:

Move regularly to reduce pain and stiffness. Maintain a healthy weight to lower joint pressure, and consider using braces, manual therapies (our massage therapist is the best), or compression sleeves during flare-ups. Limit alcohol, added sugar, and ultra-processed foods to decrease sources of inflammation in the body.

For Osteoporosis:

Don’t smoke, and keep alcohol moderate. Fall-proof your environment by installing good lighting, clear floors, and non-slip mats; be mindful or loose cords on the floor. Stay active to retain balance and muscle strength

💤 Bonus tip: Prioritize sleep, stress reduction, and consistency. Your joints and bones will thank you.

TL;DR: Different Problems, Different Plans

OA = joint inflammation and wear → manage with pain relief, mobility, and joint support

OP = bone density loss → manage with nutrition, strength, and fall prevention

Both conditions are treatable—and better yet, preventable—when you understand how they work and take action early.

Feeling stiff? Concerned about bone health?

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At CasaVive, we offer personalized movement coaching, nutritional guidance, and integrative therapies to help you move through life confidently. Drop a comment, book a session, or swing by—we’d love to support you.