Bone pain can be caused by fractures, osteoporosis, bone infections, bone cancer, sickle cell anemia, leukemia or rheumatoid arthritis.

Depending on the underlying cause, bone pain may present with other symptoms, like a fever, bruising, difficulty moving the affected area, joint stiffness, swelling or redness.

If you have bone pain that lasts for longer than three days or worsens over time, or if you experience bone pain with other symptoms, you should see your doctor for assessment and treatment.

Common causes

The main causes of bone pain are:

1. Bone fracture

A bone fracture is one of the main causes of bone pain and can occur as a result of a car accidents, a fall or contract sports.

Other symptoms of a bone fracture include swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the affected area.

What to do: If you suspect you have fractured a bone, you should proceed to a hospital for an X-ray, which will help to assess the severity of the break.

Small fractures can be treated with just rest, however more serious fractures may require immobilization and a cast.

2. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass. It most commonly affects the bones in the hips, legs and wrists,

Osteoporosis is often diagnosed in women after menopause, and is associated with an increased risk for bone fractures.

What to do: Treatment for osteoporosis is guided by a family doctor or orthopedic surgeon, and is aimed at preventing worsening and slowing down disease progression. Doctors will often prescribe supplements that stimulate bone mass production, like calcium and vitamin D.

Patients will also benefits from a diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D, as guided by a registered dietitian.

3. Bone infection

A bone infection, also referred to as osteomyelitis, is also a condition that can cause pain in any bone in the body. It can be caused by an infection that traveled through the blood to weakened areas of the bone, puncture wounds that have introduced harmful microorganisms to the bone, or as a complication of surgery.

In addition to bone pain, a bone infection can a fever, swelling and redness in the affected area.

What to do: Bone infections should be urgently treated in a hospital setting to prevent disease progression and complications like septic arthritis.

In most cases, treatment for a bone infection involves IV antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

4. Bone cancer

Bone cancer is a associated with the growth of cancerous cells that form a tumor in the bone tissue. It can lead to bone pain that is more intense with movement or at night. .

Affected areas may also present with joint swelling and greater bone fragility.

What to do: It is important to consult an orthopedic surgeon or oncologist if you suspect your may have bone cancer. If confirmed, the specialist offer treatment, which may be a combination of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

5. Bone cancer metastases

Some other types of cancer, such as breast, lung, thyroid, kidney or prostate cancer, can spread throughout the body, which is a process known as metastasis. It can reach other organs and the bones, where it continues to develop more cancerous cells.

In addition to bone pain, bone mets can lead to other symptoms such as rapid weight loss, excessive fatigue, weakness and a loss of appetite.

What to do: If you suspect your may have bone cancer metastases, you are advised to follow-up with your oncologist for testing and imaging to determine the severity of this spreading. Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer previously will be assessed for a new treatment approach.

6. Paget's disease

Paget's disease, also known as osteitis deformans, is a rare disease that mainly affects the pelvic area, femur, tibia and clavicle. It is characterized by the destruction of bone tissue, which re-forms again but with deformities.

This newly formed bone is more fragile and presents with symptoms that may vary depending on the affected area. Some patients experience bone pain, changes in the curvature of the spine, joint pain and a higher risk of fractures.

What to do: Treatment for Paget's disease may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and should guided by an orthopedic surgeon. The doctor may prescribe medications to relieve symptoms as well as physiotherapy.

7. Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the organs in the body that are involved with blood cell formation. It can cause pain in the bones and joints, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and unexplained weight loss.

What to do: Leukemia should be treated by an oncologist or hematologist-oncologist, who may advise chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or a bone marrow transplant.

8. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the cells that line the joints, as if they were foreign to the body.

This condition can cause pain in the bones and joints, stiffness in the morning, or difficulty moving the affected joint.

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What to do: rheumatoid arthritis is treated by a rheumatologist and usually includes the use of medications such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or biological agents, and physical therapy. See ARTICLE NOT FOUND IN EN: how rheumatoid arthritis is treated.

9. Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by soft, fragile and brittle cones that can be caused by reduced vitamin D intake, bariatric surgery or liver disease.

This condition is related to defects in the mineralization of the bone matrix as a result of a vitamin D deficiency, which is essential for the calcium absorption in the bones.

What to do: treatment is performed by an orthopedist with the use of supplements with calcium, phosphorus and/or vitamin D.

In addition, a diet guided by a nutritionist should be followed, prioritizing foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.

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10. Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease that leads to sickle-shaped red blood cells. Because of this shape, it is harder for blood cells to deliver oxygen to tissues in the body, including the bones.

This reduced oxygen supply can lead to bone pain, anemia, and swelling.

What to do: Treatment is guided by a hematologist who may recommend medication, blood transfusion or hematopoietic stem cell transplant

11. Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue, leading to bone pain, difficulty walking or performing daily activities.

This condition can be caused by fractures or dislocations, use of bisphosphonate medications (such as pamidronate or alendronate), sickle cell anemia, liver failure or cancer.

What to do: Treatment is guided by an orthopedic surgeon and usually involves the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or replacement of the joint with a prosthesis, for example.

Bone Pain: 11 Causes & What to Do