According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, there are numerous degenerative bone diseases. Bones are living tissues that are constantly rebuilding throughout a person's life, and to prevent bone loss as an adult, people need to get sufficient quantities of calcium, vitamin D and exercise while they are young, notes NIH. Degenerative bone diseases can lead to serious health concerns, including broken bones or fractures.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases—a division of the National Institutes of Health—osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common type of arthritis, and is seen most frequently in older adults. NIAMS notes that osteoarthritis primarily affects the cartilage that covers the ends of bones where two bones meet to form a joint, and that healthy cartilage allows fluid and pain-free joint movement and helps cushion the impact of physical movement. According to NIAMS, osteoarthritis causes the joint cartilage to degenerate and wear away over time, which allows the bones under the cartilage to rub together. Bone-on-bone contact can cause pain, swelling and decreased joint range of motion, and over time, the structure of the joint may change and bone spurs or osteophytes may grow on the joint edges.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is degenerative bone disease. The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that osteoporosis is a major public health threat for about 44 million Americans, and that osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and the structural deterioration of a person's bones. Left unchecked, osteoporosis inevitably leads to bone fragility and an increased likelihood of fracture. According to the NOF, the most common locations for osteoporosis-related fractures include the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected. The NOF states that there are five important steps or actions to improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis, including the following: eating a healthy diet containing sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D, engaging in weight-bearing aerobic and strength-training exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, consulting a physician about bone health, and being tested for bone mineral density.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a degenerative bone disease. According to the Mayo Clinic website, osteomalacia is the softening of a person's bones and is typically caused by a vitamin D deficiency. Bone softening is problematic because soft bones have a greater tendency to fracture than harder bones. This disease is called rickets when it occurs in children, and it is seen throughout the developing world or in places where malnutrition is common. The Mayo Clinic website notes that osteomalacia is different than osteoporosis, in that osteomalacia is caused by a defect in the bone-building process, whereas osteoporosis is caused by the weakening of a formerly well-constructed bone. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the principal signs and symptoms of osteomalacia are deep bone pain and muscle weakness, and osteomalacia treatment typically involves boosting calcium and vitamin D levels, along with treating any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the deficiencies.
