What Is Osteopenia?
3. How Does Osteopenia Differ From Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage at the ends of the bones wears away. It is known by many other names, including joint degeneration, joint narrowing, or bone spurs. When the condition affects the vertebral column, it is also called degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.
Osteoarthritis is similar to osteopenia in that it involves the loss of tissue, and many people suffer from both conditions simultaneously. Cartilage is a different type of tissue than bone, and it is lost primarily due to a slow grinding down over the years. Osteoarthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the hands, knees, spine, and hips, among other places. Without cushioning between bones, some people also feel or hear bones scraping together when they move.
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