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Bone pain or tenderness

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skeleton
Skeleton

Alternative Names    Return to top

Aches and pains in bones; Pain - bones

Definition    Return to top

Bone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.

Considerations    Return to top

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 it may be more subtle, such as cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to the bone.

Whatever the source, bone pain should always be taken seriously. Seek medical attention any time you have bone pain.

Causes    Return to top

Bone pain can occur with many injuries or conditions:

Home Care    Return to top

For unexplained bone pain, see your health care provider.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Take any bone pain or tenderness very seriously. Contact your health care provider if you have any unexplained bone pain.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your health care provider will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical exam.

Medical history questions may include:

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Depending on the cause of the pain, your doctor may prescribe:

For osteoporosis treatment, see the article on osteoporosis.

Update Date: 11/9/2007

Updated by: Thomas N. Joseoph, M.D., private practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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