Osteoporosis vs Osteoarthritis: Key Differences & Symptoms Explained | HSS

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]Osteoporosis is microarchitectural deterioration of bone such that it fractures more easily.

[00:00:10]Most people develop osteoarthritis as they age.

[00:00:13]It can be in the hips, the knees, the ankles.

[00:00:16]It's extremely common, there's probably a genetic predisposition and prior injury to a joint can also increase the risk of developing arthritis in that joint.

[00:00:27]The symptoms of osteoarthritis are primarily pain in the joint that's arthritic and sometimes decreased function.

[00:00:36]Interestingly, a lot of patients with osteoarthritis have a lower incidence of having osteoporosis.

[00:00:43]They really are separate diseases.

[00:00:45]Osteoporosis is associated with no pain unless there's a fracture.

[00:00:51]Osteoarthritis can be associated with pain.

[00:00:55]So if you have osteoarthritis and you want to maintain bone strength, either with your doctor or with a physical therapist you should be able to find an exercise program that you can do even if you have arthritis.