Bone pain is extreme tenderness, aching, or other discomfort in one or more bones. It differs from muscle and joint pain because it’s present whether you’re moving or not. The pain is commonly linked to diseases that affect the normal function or structure of the bone.
Many conditions and events can lead to bone pain.
Injury
Injury is a common cause of bone pain. Typically, this pain arises when a person goes through some form of trauma, such as a car accident or fall. The impact may break or fracture the bone. Any damage to the bone can cause bone pain.
Mineral deficiency
To stay strong, your bones require a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium and vitamin D. A deficiency in calcium and vitamin D often leads to osteoporosis, the most common type of bone disease. People in the late stages of osteoporosis often have bone pain.
Metastatic cancer
This is cancer that started somewhere else in the body but spread to other body parts. Cancers of the breast, lung, thyroid, kidney, and prostate are among the cancers that commonly spread to the bones.
Bone cancer
Bone cancer describes cancer cells that originate in the bone itself. Bone cancer is much rarer than metastatic bone cancer. It can cause bone pain when the cancer disrupts or destroys the bone’s normal structure.
Diseases that disturb blood supply to bones
Some diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, interfere with the blood supply to the bone. Without a steady source of blood, bone tissue begins to die. This causes significant bone pain and weakens the bone.
Infection
If an infection originates in or spreads to the bones, it can cause a serious condition known as osteomyelitis. This infection of the bone can kill bone cells and cause bone pain.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is found in most bones and is responsible for the production of bone cells. People with leukemia often experience bone pain, especially in the legs.
When the doctor has determined the cause of the bone pain, they’ll start treating the underlying cause. They may advise you to rest the affected area as much as possible. They’ll likely prescribe you a pain reliever for moderate to severe bone pain.
If your doctor is unsure of the cause and suspects an infection, they’ll start you on antibiotics. Take the full course of the medication, even if your symptoms go away within a few days. Corticosteroids are also commonly used to reduce inflammation.
The treatment options for bone pain include:
Pain relievers
Pain relievers are among the most commonly prescribed medications to reduce bone pain, but they don’t cure the underlying condition. Over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used. Prescription medications such as Paracetamol or morphine may be used for moderate or severe pain.
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Antibiotics
If you have a bone infection, your doctor may prescribe powerful antibiotics to kill the germ that’s causing the infection. These antibiotics may include ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, or vancomycin.
Nutritional supplements
People who have osteoporosis need to restore their calcium and vitamin D levels. Your doctor will give you nutritional supplements to treat the mineral deficiency. Supplements are available in liquid, pill, or chewable form.
Cancer treatments
Bone pain caused by cancer is difficult to treat. The doctor will need to treat the cancer to relieve the pain. Common cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (which can increase bone pain). Bisphosphonates are a type of medication that help prevent bone damage and bone pain in people with metastatic bone cancer. Opiate pain relievers may also be prescribed.
Surgery
You may need surgery to remove parts of bone that have died due to infection. Surgery may also be required to re-set broken bones and remove tumors caused by cancer. Reconstructive surgery may be used in severe cases where joints can be replaced or substituted.
Maintaining strong, healthy bones makes it easier to avoid bone pain. To maintain optimal bone health, remember to:
- maintain a healthy exercise plan
- get enough calcium and vitamin D
- drink only in moderation
- avoid smoking
The most noticeable symptom of bone pain is discomfort whether you’re still or moving.
Other symptoms depend on the particular cause of your bone pain.
| Cause of bone pain | Other associated symptoms |
| Injury | Swelling, visible breaks or deformities, a snap or grinding noise upon injury |
| Mineral deficiency | Muscle and tissue pain, sleep disturbances, cramps, fatigue, weakness |
| Osteoporosis | Back pain, stooped posture, loss of height over time |
| Metastatic cancer | A large range of symptoms depending on where the cancer has spread that may include headache, chest pain, bone fractures, seizures, dizziness, jaundice, shortness of breath, swelling in the belly |
| Bone cancer | Increased bone breaks, a lump or mass under the skin, numbness or tingling (from when a tumor presses on a nerve) |
| Disrupted blood supply to the bones | Joint pain, loss of joint function, and weakness |
| Infection | Redness, streaks from the infection site, swelling, warmth at the infection site, decreased range of motion, nausea, loss of appetite |
| Leukemia | Fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, night sweats, unexplained weight loss |
Dui teen din bhayo khutta ko calf muscle left sideko poleko josto tara halka . Kina hola?
ReplyDelete
Deleteएक्कासी भएको? चोटपटक केही लागेको थियो? के गर्दा बढी पोल्ने हुन्छ?
Hello Sir.
ReplyDeleteI'm a 19 year boy.
i feel tired and exhausted after a small work or after a short walk.
sometimes i feel so much tired without doing anything and i feel numb mainly after the sunset. I'm having these since 2 3 years. what should i do?
DeleteHello
How is your feeling/energy in morning and in evening. Did u ever experience double vision or difficulty chewing food. Your symptoms are more in summer or in winter? Need evaluation as you might be suffering from Myasthenia Gravis.
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