There is a hand-in-hand correlation between bone health and arthritis, and not necessarily as is often thought. Despite the fact that the main target of arthritis is the joints, there are other types (especially inflammatory types) as well as some treatments that can lead to the weakening of the bones, and this predisposes the patient to osteoporosis and bone fractures. Having known The Connection Between Arthritis and Bone Health, you save your joints and your skeleton
How Arthritis Can Affect Bone Strength
Similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory arthritis contributes to bone erosion at both local and more generalized levels, bone erosion around inflamed joints, and more widespread bone erosion in the skeleton. An ongoing inflammation increases the action of bone-destroying cells (osteoclasts), shifting the balance in favor of no bone formation. This process is very important, and thus, early intervention of inflammation is essential. Even osteoarthritis (OA), which is the form of wear-and-tear, is linked to alterations in the bone composition of the joints and can contribute to the risk of falls due to the pain and loss of mobility. Falls are a significant source of fractures. That is to say that safeguarding bone health is important to individuals who have any type of arthritis.
Other Factors That Raise Fracture Risk in Arthritis
A number of typical problems increase bone vulnerability in individuals with arthritis:
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Drugs:
The prolonged intake of glucocorticoids (steroids) is a typical reason behind bone degradation. -
Low activity:
Bone needs to remain strong by reducing walking and strengthening activities through pain and stiffness. -
Nutrition/ vitamin D:
The deficiency of calcium or vitamin D weakens bones. -
Inflammation itself:
Systemic inflammation is a cause of overall bone loss outside the joint.
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Practical Steps to Protect Bone Health with Arthritis
It does not mean that you can be resigned to bone loss. To do evidence-based things, do these:
1. Heal up the inflammation
Treat inflammatory arthritis: in collaboration with your physician, manage the activity of arthritis; it is the reduction of inflammation that helps to preserve the bone, in addition to the joints. Timely, specific treatment reduces the risk of erosions and general bone loss.
2. Build bone-friendly habits
Exercises that strengthen the bones (resistance and weight-bearing exercises, light weight, resistance bands, walking, and so on) remodel the bone formation and improve the balance and prevent falls. Ensure you make your plan of activity joint-wise where appropriate, with the advice of a therapist.
3. Maximize nutrition and supplements
Get enough calcium and vitamin D through eating and supplementing as needed; this may be done and measured by your clinician. Restrict alcoholism and no-smoking.
4. Check drugs and tests
When taking long-term steroids, inquire about bone-protective measures and may do bone density (DEXA) tests as per guidelines. Early diagnosis of low bone density allows for taking action before bones are broken.
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The Bottom Line
The connection between arthritis and bone health is factual and significant: bone is susceptible to inflammation, inactivity, medications, and falls. The positive thing is that a vast majority of protective measures are complementary: they reduce the levels of inflammation, keep moving, eat properly, and receive proper screening and treatment. Bone health is part of the overall plan to discuss with your doctor in case you have arthritis. Maintaining your skeleton is a way of maintaining your independence. To get even more practical instructions on exercises to build your bones, the amount of calcium, and the techniques to prevent falls that you can incorporate into your routine, Arthritis Aid is the place to go!
