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Bone pain or tenderness

Definition:
Bone pain or tenderness involves aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.

Alternative Names:
Aches and pains in bones; Pain - bones

Considerations:

Bone pain is seen less commonly than joint pain and muscle pain. The source of bone pain may be obvious, as in a fracture following an accident, or more subtle, such as cancer that metastasizes (spreads) to the bone. Whatever the source, bone pain should always be taken seriously. You should seek medical attention any time you experience bone pain



Common Causes:

Bone pain can be caused by many injuries or conditions:

  • Trauma (injury)
  • Toddler fracture (a type of stress fracture peculiar to toddlers)
  • Overuse
  • Infection
  • Primary malignancy (cancer in the bones)
  • Metastatic malignancy (cancer that has spread to the bones)
  • Loss of mineralization (osteoporosis)
  • Disruption of blood supply (as in sickle cell anemia)
  • Leukemia
  • osteomyelitis


Home Care:
For unexplained bone pain, see your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

Any bone pain or tenderness should be taken very seriously. Contact your health care provider if you have any unexplained bone pain.



What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting bone pain may include the following:

  • Location
    • Is the pain in the forearms, hands, lower legs, or feet (distal extremities)?
    • Is the pain in the main part of the arm or leg?
    • Is the pain in the heels (calcaneal pain)?
  • Time pattern
    • When did you first notice the pain (at what age did the pain begin)?
    • How long has the pain been present?
    • Is it getting worse?
  • Is the bone enlarging?
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include detailed examination of the affected body part.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Antibiotics, cortisone drugs, pain relievers, hormones, and laxatives (if constipation develops during prolonged bed rest) may be prescribed, depending on the cause of the bone pain.

Calcium, vitamin D supplements, estrogen, or other medications may be prescribed for osteoporosis.




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