Bone & Joint Health

By CalBroker Mag

Osteoporosis and arthritis affect millions of Americans, especially older adults. Healthcare professionals have developed numerous treatments and preventative methods to treat these conditions. However, many medical plan members don’t know about these available options — or even, in some cases, that they may be at risk for osteoporosis and arthritis.

Health insurance professionals can promote bone and joint health by educating clients about the importance of preventative services and routine checkups. Learning about the symptoms, diagnosis methods, and treatments for osteoporosis and arthritis will also help you advocate for your clients more effectively.

Osteoporosis vs. Arthritis

People often use the terms osteoporosis and arthritis interchangeably. However, they’re distinct conditions that affect different parts of the body.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when the bones lose mass and mineral density faster than they grow. These changes cause the bones to weaken and become fragile, which can lead to breaks.3

Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term for joint disease or pain. Researchers have identified over 100 types of arthritis with varying causes and symptoms

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. This condition develops when weakening bones damage the connective tissue in the joints and cause painful inflammation. Other common types of arthritis include autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, gout, and infectious arthritis.

Understanding Osteoporosis

An estimated 10 million Americans aged 50 and older live with osteoporosis. Another 43 million people have low bone mass, which may eventually progress into osteoporosis.1 Plan members with this condition can benefit from early screening and management techniques.

Symptoms

People with osteoporosis often don’t notice symptoms, especially during the early phases. This condition typically only becomes evident when a bone breaks.

The most common osteoporosis-related fractures affect the hips, spinal vertebrae, and wrists. These fractures can occur when an individual falls or performs everyday activities. For example, they might break vertebrae while bending over to tie their shoes or fracture a wrist while carrying groceries. Fractures may also happen spontaneously.

Causes

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because they have thinner bones. Advancing age can also lead to osteoporosis as bones lose density and weaken over time.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis include

• Having a slender frame and small bones

• Low levels of estrogen or testosterone

• A family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures

• Dietary deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D

• Low protein intake

• Sedentary lifestyle with infrequent exercise

• Smoking Prolonged use of certain medications, including glucocorticoids, proton pump inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Diagnosis

Healthcare professionals typically use a bone mineral density (BMD) test to diagnose osteoporosis. This painless method uses dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to detect bone loss.

Healthy people have a hip BMD T-score of -1 and higher. People with low bone mass score between -1 and -2.5, while those with osteoporosis score -2.5 or lower.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation recommends BMD testing for everyone aged 65 and older to screen for osteoporosis.

Treatment

Researchers haven’t developed a cure for osteoporosis yet. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications to manage or prevent this condition, including:

• Bisphosphonates

• Calcitonin

• Estrogen and hormone therapy

• Parathyroid hormone analog

• RANK ligand inhibitor

• Sclerostin inhibitor

• Understanding Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, this condition affects almost 60 million Americans, or 25% of adults. Recognizing the symptoms and causes of arthritis can help clients receive prompt treatment.

Symptoms

Arthritis can affect every joint, including the elbows, fingers, hands, hips, knees, and shoulders.

Here are the hallmark symptoms of this condition:

• Persistent joint pain lasting for three days or longer

• Joint swelling that occurs three or more days monthly

• Redness and warmth surrounding the joint

• Stiffness or inability to move the joint

The arthritis effects can also include non-joint-related symptoms. For example, people with these conditions may experience fatigue, fever, rashes, scaly skin, and weight loss.

Causes

There are many arthritis causes, such as:

• Autoimmune disorders

• Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections

• High uric acid levels

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Occupational damage

• Sedentary lifestyle

Diagnosis

Clinicians can diagnose arthritis with X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound. These tests can reveal the presence of joint erosion and inflammation. They may also perform blood or joint fluid tests to diagnose inflammatory arthritis and other conditions.

Treatment

Arthritis specialists (rheumatologists) and other healthcare providers may prescribe these treatments for arthritis pain:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Zostrix cream

• Corticosteroid injections

• Preventative Measures for Osteoporosis and Arthritis

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent osteoporosis and arthritis. However, there are many ways to improve and maintain joint and bone health.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis. Older adults should participate in moderate exercise regularly to build muscle and improve flexibility. Physical activity will help keep bones strong and joints mobile.

Diet can also affect the bones and joints. A nutritious diet with adequate vitamins and nutrients can maintain bone density. Men and women over 70 should consume 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Additionally, men over 70 and postmenopausal women of all ages should get 1,200 mg of calcium daily.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements support healthy cartilage and may reduce joint pain. These natural remedies are available over the counter.

Connecting Clients With Local Resources

You can support clients with osteoporosis or arthritis by connecting them with these resources in California:

Arthritis Foundation California: This branch of the Arthritis Foundation hosts regular events and webinars to support and educate California residents with arthritis.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation: This organization hosts osteoporosis support groups in San Diego and Torrance, CA.

Free DXA scans: The University of California San Diego School of Bone Densitometry offers free DXA scans for San Diego residents.

Help Clients Maintain and Improve Bone and Joint Health

Osteoporosis and arthritis are common conditions that can significantly impact your clients’ quality of life. Fortunately, most health plans cover bone density screenings for postmenopausal women and all women over 65. Men may also qualify for preventative screening for osteoporosis.

You can also encourage clients to schedule appointments with their physician if they experience joint pain and other arthritis symptoms. Routine care will help plan members protect their health and stay mobile.

SOURCES:

CDC: Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass in Older Adults: United States, 2017–2018, Arthritis Related Statistics

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoporosis Arthritis Foundation: What Is Arthritis?

International Osteoporosis Foundation: DIAGNOSIS

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoporosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take Arthritis Foundation: “About Arthritis, Recognizing the Symptoms of Arthritis, Diagnosing Arthritis

MedlinePlus: Medicines, injections, and supplements for arthritis, Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints, Arthritis Foundation California

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation: “BHOF Support Groups.”

UCSD School of Bone Densitometry: “Free Scans.”

HealthCare.gov: “Preventive care benefits for women.”