Arthritis and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects many people. It can be caused by the pain medication you are taking for arthritis and you may not realize you have a problem. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become brittle.

Arthritis can become a debilitating disease and there are a number of medications that can be prescribed for arthritis pain. Discuss your arthritis pain management program with your doctor. Ask if any if the medications you are taking can lead to osteoporosis. You also need to find out if your arthritis pain medication interacts with medications you may be taking for other conditions.

To determine if you have osteoporosis, a bone density test has to be performed. Your doctor will order the test. It is a simple test. If your arthitis pain medication is creating a problem, your doctor may change it and will want to monitor you for any signs of problems. Your healthcare provider will always monitor your condition or progress if you let them know about your concerns. Suffering with the aches and pains of arthritis is bade enough. You do not want to be fearful of falling and breaking a bone. With osteoporosis your bones are very brittle and any type of fall can cause a break. It can be both painful and frustrating.

Steroids are normally given for arthritis pain management. These medications include cortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone. These medications can lead to osteoporosis. Your doctor will be monitoring your progress but you should always address any concerns you may have. When you have a medical condition such as arthritis, pain management as well as concerns about other medical problems such as osteoporosis can create more stress for you.

The most important element about your arthritis treatment plan is that you stay involved.