Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Have High Risk for Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?
When the bones begin to lose density, become fragile and less resistant to fractures, a rheumatoid arthritis patient may be diagnosed with osteoporosis. As of 2011, there is no cure for osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Why are RA patients at a higher risk for osteoporosis?
Some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis affect the bones, and in turn increase the chances for osteoporosis to develop. Both adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients taking glucocorticoid medications are susceptible to bone loss, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Personal choices such as smoking, the absence of exercise and consuming alcohol also increase the chances for rheumatoid arthritis patients to develop osteoporosis. When patients avoid exercise during flares of joint pain and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis, they are unknowingly increasing their risk for osteoporosis.

Heredity also plays a role in determining whether osteoporosis is in your future. Rheumatoid arthritis patients with a small body frame, family history of osteoporosis and prolonged usage of medications for chronic illness such as lupus or seizures are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

Women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who experience an abnormal menstrual cycle, menopause early in life and are currently postmenopausal risk developing osteoporosis.

How can I reduce my risk of developing osteoporosis?
Routine exercise approved by your physician, a diet rich in calcium and the absorption of vitamin D from 15 minutes of daily sun exposure will reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Vitamin D can also be obtained through diet by eating egg yolks, liver and saltwater-based fish. When vitamin D is paired with calcium rich foods such as yogurt and dark, leafy vegetables -- such as spinach or kale -- the vitamin absorbs more effectively into the body.

These strategies help build bone mass and reduce the risk of bone fractures.

Ask your physician about performing a bone density test to determine your individual risk for developing osteoporosis.

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Hydroxychloroquine and Pregnancy: Will Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Malaria Affect a Pregnancy?

Sources and Suggested Further Reading:

National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoskeletal and Skin Diseases: What People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know About Osteoporosis

National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis

National Osteoporosis Foundation: NOF

Arthritis Foundation: Arthritis

International Osteoporosis Foundation:IOF

The John Hopkins Arthritis Center:RA and Osteoporosis

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