Arthritis, Osteoporosis or Ageing? How to Tell What Symptoms Mean

As people get older, their bodies change, and sometimes their knees or back start to hurt.

Some people think this just happens because of age, but that is not always true.

Arthritis is a sickness that makes joints, like knees and fingers, hurt, swell, or feel stiff.

There are different kinds of arthritis; one kind happens when the body's own defense system attacks the joints.

Another problem, called osteoporosis, makes bones weak, so they can break very easily.

People with osteoporosis often do not feel anything wrong until a bone breaks after a small fall.

Doctors can check for these problems with special tests, including a quick scan that measures how strong bones are.

Staying active, eating foods with calcium and vitamin D, and not smoking can help keep bones and joints healthy.

If pain lasts a long time or makes everyday tasks hard, it is a good idea to see a doctor.