Aches and pains in bones; Pain - bones

For unexplained bone pain, see your health care provider.

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

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

Medical history questions may include:

• Location of the pain
  • 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 and pattern of the pain
  • When did you first notice the pain (at what age did the pain begin)?
  • How long have you had the pain?
  • Is it getting worse?
• What other symptoms do you have?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies (such as CBC, blood differential)
• Bone x-rays, including a bone scan
• CT or MRI scan
• Hormone level studies
• Pituitary and adrenal gland function studies
• Urine studies

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

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Hormones
• Laxatives (if you develop constipation during prolonged bed rest)
• Pain relievers

For osteoporosis treatment, see the article on osteoporosis.

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Bone pain or tenderness Overview

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Bone pain or tenderness Prevention

Review Date: 05/01/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)