what ra treatment might cause osteoporosis
People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for osteoporosis for many reasons: 1  Glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) medications such as prednisone often prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can trigger significant bone loss. Pain and loss of joint function caused by the disease can result in inactivity, further increasing osteoporosis risk. Studies also show that bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis may occur as a direct result of the disease. The bone loss is most pronounced in areas immediately surrounding the affected joints.