Osteoporosis is a bone disease that increases the risk of what?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones that become fragile and more susceptible to fractures. The underlying issue in osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density, which makes it easier for a bone to break under minimal stress or injury. When the bones lose their strength, even ordinary activities or falls can result in fractures, especially in weight-bearing areas such as the hip, spine, and wrist.

The other options, while they may be related to general health issues or conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, do not directly stem from osteoporosis. For instance, arthritis involves inflammation of the joints and is not a consequence of weakened bones. Joint pain can arise for various reasons but is not specific to the consequences of osteoporosis. Muscle strain refers to injuries affecting muscles rather than bones, which is also unrelated to the primary concerns associated with osteoporosis. Thus, the correct answer centers on the increased risk of fractures as the most significant and direct consequence of osteoporosis.