Did you know osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are common diseases that affect the bones and joints? There is no cure for either of these conditions; however, treatment and management can help control pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and reduce or stop the loss of bone density.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term used to describe a group of more than 100 conditions that affect the joints and connective tissues (around the joints). Symptoms of arthritis usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Risk factors for arthritis include age, gender, genetics and inherited traits, infection, joint injuries, occupation and smoking. Arthritis is also common among people who are overweight, obese, or have chronic conditions such as diabetes.

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the hands, hips and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the membranes that surround the joints, which leads to inflammation, pain, and potentially joint damage.

A buildup of uric acid crystals in and around the joints causes gout, a painful form of arthritis that impacts one or more joints, typically in the big toe. Uric acid crystals are formed from the breakdown of substances normally found in alcohol, human cells and foods such as red meat and certain seafoods.

Arthritis can also be triggered by a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. This infectious arthritis usually occurs when an infection from another part of the body impacts a joint such as the knee.

How do You Treat Arthritis?

Treatment and management for arthritis depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include medications, patient education, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery to alleviate pain and improve joint function.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by reduced bone density and quality, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis affects women and men from all backgrounds and can occur at any age; however, the risk for developing the disease increases as you get older. For many women, the disease starts to develop one or two years before menopause.

Certain medications, such as some cancer medications and glucocorticoid steroids used for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Several factors contribute to osteoporosis:

• Age- Bone density naturally decreases with age, making older individuals more susceptible.
• Hormones–Hormonal changes, such as reduced estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, can lead to bone loss.
• Nutrition- A diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D can weaken bones.
• Lifestyle- Lack of weight-bearing exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and long-term use of certain medications can increase the risk.

How do You Treat Osteoporosis?

Steps to prevent and manage osteoporosis include:

• Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Staying physically active by doing weight-bearing exercise.
• Taking medications as prescribed to reduce fracture risk.
• Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption.

How Carmichael’s Pharmacies Can Help

 Both arthritis and osteoporosis are chronic conditions that require ongoing care, so it is essential to work with healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate management plan based on individual needs and the type and severity of the condition.

Carmichael’s Compounding and Retail Pharmacies offer services that include compounding pain management therapy medication with a doctor’s prescription and medication management services.

Our experienced and highly trained pharmacy staff make filling a prescription as easy as possible, working with both the patient and the prescribing doctor. When looking for a local pharmacy with neighborly staff that will deliver top-tier services, look no further than Carmichael’s. Contact us to get started.