Return to IndexStep 1: What is Osteoarthritis?Step 2: SymptomsStep 3: CausesStep 4: How Osteoarthritis is DiagnosedStep 5: Overview of Arthritis TreatmentStep 6: Heat and Cold TherapyStep 7: Pain MedicationStep 8: Other OptionsStep 9: Unproven RemediesStep 10: Weight Control and ExerciseStep 11: Living With OsteoarthritisKey PointsMedTestGlossary
*Close Menu*
Return to IndexStep 1: What is Osteoarthritis?Step 2: SymptomsStep 3: CausesStep 4: How Osteoarthritis is DiagnosedStep 5: Overview of Arthritis TreatmentStep 6: Heat and Cold TherapyStep 7: Pain MedicationStep 8: Other OptionsStep 9: Unproven RemediesStep 10: Weight Control and ExerciseStep 11: Living With OsteoarthritisKey PointsMedTestGlossary
*Close Menu*
| Osteo definition |
Q: What does "osteo" mean?
A: "Osteo" is the Greek word for "bone".
Another common condition related to bones is called osteoporosis -- a disease where bones get brittle because they do not have enough calcium or other minerals.

| The bone disease osteoporosis is caused by more bone cells being resorbed than being deposited. This imbalance results in a progressive loss of bone density and a thinning of bone tissue. Osteoporotic bones are more porous and therefore more vulnerable to fracture. |
|
Review Date:
12/24/2012 Reviewed By: Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, NYU Langone Medical Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.