Bones are among the most important parts of our body. They help to support and protect it from injury, provide a framework for muscles and other tissues, and allow us to move by providing a stable frame. Bones can also be susceptible to disease or damage if they are not properly cared for.
Osteoporosis
One common problem is osteoporosis, which occurs when bones become more porous due to a diet’s lack of vitamin D or calcium. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones that may never heal correctly because so little bone is left around them.
Osteoporosis is the loss of density in the bones, making them more fragile and prone to breaking. It affects about 200 million people worldwide and causes more than 8.9 million fractures per year. These fractures result in decreased mobility and chronic pain, which can lead to depression in some people.
One of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis is age. It occurs more often in people who are 60 years or older.
Persistent Pain in Bones
Another common problem is persistent joint or bone pain. The joints get inflamed, stiffer, more painful, and less flexible with osteoarthritis. This results from wear-and-tear of the joint over time. Many things can cause damage to our bones, including infections, diseases like cancer, and long-term abuse. What we do every day can also affect our bone health which is why it’s important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Arthritis
Another common problem is arthritis, which often affects people as they age but might start earlier than expected if you have certain conditions like Down syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (a condition that can affect the skin, joints, and internal organs). If you experience pain in your bones or muscles regularly, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.
When it comes to bone pain, if over-the-counter drugs aren’t relieving the symptoms, there may be something serious going on internally. If you are experiencing persistent bone or joint pain, it is important to visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some people experience other symptoms like changes in vision, numbness, weakness, seizures, headaches, muscle cramps, and trouble swallowing that may be related to the bones. If you are experiencing any of these things, make sure you see your doctor.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects more than 27 million Americans and causes pain and stiffness in the joints. The condition is caused by wear-and-tear on the joint from overuse, an injury, or age.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms. These include over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and surgery.
Many treatments can help relieve the symptoms, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and surgery. If you experience knee pain or stiffness in your joints, make sure you avoid weight-bearing activities until your knee heals.
Increased activity can irritate the damaged knee joint and cause more swelling, pain, and stiffness. After an injury or swollen knee, it’s important to use ice packs, rest the knee, elevate it above your heart while resting in bed, apply compression wraps or knee sleeves, and use knee braces for osteoarthritis patients take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Bone cancer
Bone cancer is another common problem that occurs when cells in the bones begin to grow uncontrollably. This often leads to swelling or pain in the tumor site, which can be debilitating for patients because it takes away from their quality of life.
If you are experiencing knee pain and your doctor suspects bone cancer, they might order x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and/or MRI scans to determine the tumor’s exact location. Suppose it’s discovered that you do have cancer of the knee (or any other type of bone tumor). In that case, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you like surgery, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy, or medication.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can range from a knee strain to a torn ligament or broken bones. Knee pain is often caused by wear and tear on the knee joint or if you have an injury to your knee ligaments, bones, or cartilage.
If you are an athlete, knee injuries are common. Studies have shown that up to 50% of athletes will experience knee pain at some point in their lives. If you are an athlete and your knee is hurting, make sure you let the coach or athletic trainer know right away, so they can help get you back in tip-top shape.
Bone problems can be a sign of something serious going on internally. If you are experiencing pain, don’t ignore it or just try to power through it because it could cause long-term complications if left untreated. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, so they can assess the problem and find the best solution for you.
