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Skeleton

Overview Treatment

Bone pain or tenderness

Alternative Names:

Aches and pains in bones; Pain - bones

Home Care:

For unexplained bone pain, see your health care provider.

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Call your health care provider if:

Any bone pain or tenderness should be taken very seriously. Contact your health care provider if you have any unexplained bone pain.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

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 has the pain been present?
  • Is it getting worse?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

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

Antibiotics, cortisone drugs, pain relievers, hormones, and laxatives (if constipation develops during prolonged bed rest) may be prescribed, depending on the cause of the bone pain.

Calcium, vitamin D supplements, estrogen, or other medications may be prescribed for osteoporosis.

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