Bone pain or tenderness
Alternative Names
Aches and pains in bones; Pain - bonesHome Care
For unexplained bone pain, see your health care provider.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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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