Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

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. Call your health care provider if: Text Continues Below 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.